NCERT Notes on important GK topics for the UPSC Prelims, State PCS, NDA, CDS, CAPF, AFCAT etc. This article explains the Tropical Cyclone, how they are formed, who names them and various other facts for UPSC. Check Other NCERT Notes Here
A tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans and is characterised by low atmospheric pressure, strong winds followed by heavy rainfall. Tropical cyclones always have an eye, a central region of clear skies and warm temperatures. An average tropical cyclone can travel about 300 to 400 miles a day, or about 3,000 miles before it dies out.
The word Cyclone is derived from the Greek word Cyclos meaning the coils of a snake. It was coined by Henry Peddington because the tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea appear like coiled serpents of the sea.
The World Meteorological Organisation uses the term 'Tropical Cyclone’ to cover weather systems in which winds exceed ‘Gale Force’ (minimum of 63 km per hour).
Different Names Of Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are called by different names in different regions given below:
Hurricane – Atlantic
Typhoon – Western Pacific and the South China Sea
Willy-Willies – Western Australia
Cyclone – Indian Ocean
Factors Responsible For The Formation Tropical Cyclones
There are various factors that trigger tropical cyclones. The most influential factors are:
Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C. This explains why the April-May and October-December periods are conducive for cyclones.
Presence of the Coriolis force.
Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
A pre-existing weak low- pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.
Upper divergence above the sea level system.
Tropical cyclones develop in the region between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.
How Tropical Cyclones Are Named?
The process of naming cyclones involves several countries in the region and is done under the aegis of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The naming of the tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean commenced from September 2004, with names provided by 8 members, starting with Bangladesh, followed by India. Since then, another 5 countries have joined the Panel.
The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi is responsible for naming the cyclonic storms formed over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
There are 6 RSMCs in the world, including the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and 5 Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres.
Also Read: Most Important Facts from Physical Geography of India | NCERT Notes
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