Tropical Cyclones

• Definition: Tropical Cyclones are large low-pressure systems with closed circulation and well organized convection that form in the tropical oceans and may produce very strong winds and rainfall.

• Some differences between Tropical Cyclones and Extratropical Storms:
  • Tropical cyclones have no fronts.
  • The winds on a tropical cyclne weaken with height.
  • The hurricane center is warmer than its surrounding.
  • Hurricanes and tropical systems form under weak high-altitude winds.
  • Air sinks at the center of a hurricane.
  • Hurricanes main energy source is the latent heat of condensation.
  • Hurricanes weaken rapidly over land.