Self-study Notes
Created by Chantelle B.
Tropical Cyclones LPC (low pressure cell)
- Develops over warm oceans between tropics
- AKA hurricanes/ typhoons
- Bring violent weather conditions and cause great damage (usually coastal areas)
Factors necessary for formation:
1. Hot moist air:
- Develop at ITCZ
- Only develop above 26oc
- Usually develop in summer/autumn
2. Intense low pressure cell:
- Hot air rises and forms LPC cell on surface
3. Coriolis Force:
- There is no Coriolis force at the equator (no winds deflected)
- Coriolis force causes winds to spiral and intensify LPC (where the eye is developed)
- Winds blow into low, clockwise direction in southern hemisphere,
- Pressure gradient is steep, results in winds up to 300km/h
How does the tropical cyclone continue to get energy?
§ Condensation releases latent heat into atmosphere
Latent heat: “hidden” heat energy that is given out when water vapour condenses
§ More energy makes air unstable and makes more air rise ---> cumulonimbus clouds form and
rainfall occurs
§ Air pressure is so low that air in the eye gets sucked down, forming calm, cloudless conditions
where air is warmer due to adiabatic heating
Adiabatic heating: temperature change due to change of height and pressure
Created by Chantelle B.
Tropical Cyclones LPC (low pressure cell)
- Develops over warm oceans between tropics
- AKA hurricanes/ typhoons
- Bring violent weather conditions and cause great damage (usually coastal areas)
Factors necessary for formation:
1. Hot moist air:
- Develop at ITCZ
- Only develop above 26oc
- Usually develop in summer/autumn
2. Intense low pressure cell:
- Hot air rises and forms LPC cell on surface
3. Coriolis Force:
- There is no Coriolis force at the equator (no winds deflected)
- Coriolis force causes winds to spiral and intensify LPC (where the eye is developed)
- Winds blow into low, clockwise direction in southern hemisphere,
- Pressure gradient is steep, results in winds up to 300km/h
How does the tropical cyclone continue to get energy?
§ Condensation releases latent heat into atmosphere
Latent heat: “hidden” heat energy that is given out when water vapour condenses
§ More energy makes air unstable and makes more air rise ---> cumulonimbus clouds form and
rainfall occurs
§ Air pressure is so low that air in the eye gets sucked down, forming calm, cloudless conditions
where air is warmer due to adiabatic heating
Adiabatic heating: temperature change due to change of height and pressure
