3.2 Tropical storms

• Occur mainly 5–15° north or south of the Equator.

• Need warm ocean temperatures (above 27°C).

• The air is unstable because of intense heat and humidity

• Start due to the rapid rising of warm, moist air.

• Gain power from the heat and moisture of warm ocean water.

• Spin due to the Coriolis effect, which makes them rotate.

• Grow as they move across warm ocean waters, losing strength when they hit land.

• Warm Ocean Waters: First up, these storms need warm water, at least 27 degrees Celsius. This warm water heats the air above it, causing the air to rise since warm air is lighter than cool air.

• Rising Moist Air: As this warm, moist air rises, it leaves a lower pressure area below it. This is because there's less air pushing down at the surface.

• Condensation and Cloud Formation: When the warm air rises and hits cooler temperatures higher up, the water vapor in it condenses into clouds. This process releases heat, which then warms the air around it, causing it to rise as well and keep the cycle going.

• Coriolis Effect: The Earth’s rotation makes the storm spin, thanks to something called the Coriolis effect. In the Northern Hemisphere, storms spin counter-clockwise, and in the Southern Hemisphere, they spin clockwise.

• Building the Storm: As the process continues, more warm, moist air is drawn into the system, and more heat is released. This creates a powerful engine that drives the storm, making it stronger and larger.

• Movement Across the Ocean: Trade winds push the storm along over the ocean, where it can pick up even more heat and moisture from the sea, getting stronger as it goes.

• Losing Strength Over Land: Once a tropical storm hits land, it quickly loses strength. That's because it's cut off from its fuel source—the warm, moist ocean air. Without that, the storm starts to run out of energy and fades away.

Misconception 1: Tropical storms can form anywhere.

Reality: They typically form between 5–15° latitude where the ocean is warm enough.

Misconception 2: Once formed, tropical storms can't be stopped.

Reality: They weaken significantly over land where they can't draw heat and moisture from the ocean.

Misconception 3: All big storms are hurricanes.

Reality: They're called different names like cyclones or typhoons depending on where they occur in the world.