how do cyclones form

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Answer by Angel
Submitted on 3/22/2006
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The formation of tropical cyclones is the topic of extensive ongoing research, and is still not fully understood. Five factors are necessary to make tropical cyclone formation possible: Sea surface temperatures above 26.5 degrees Celsius (79.7 degrees Fahrenheit) to at least a depth of 50 meters (164 feet). The moisture in the air above the warm water is the energy source for tropical cyclones. Upper-atmosphere conditions conducive to thunderstorm formation. Temperature in the atmosphere must decrease quickly with height, and the mid-troposphere must be relatively moist. A pre-existing weather disturbance. This is most frequently provided by tropical waves�non-rotating areas of thunderstorms that move through tropical oceans. A distance of approximately 10 degrees or more from the equator, so that the Coriolis effect is strong enough to initiate the cyclone's rotation. (2004's Hurricane Ivan was the strongest storm to form closer than 10 degrees from the equator; it started forming at 9.7 degrees north.) Low vertical wind shear (change in wind speed or direction over height). High wind shear can break apart the vertical structure of a tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclones occasionally form despite not meeting these conditions. Only specific weather disturbances can result in tropical cyclones. These include: Tropical waves, or easterly waves, which, as mentioned above, are westward moving areas of convergent winds. This often assists in the development of thunderstorms, which can develop into tropical cyclones. Most tropical cyclones form from these. A similar phenomenon to tropical waves are West African disturbance lines, which are squally lines of convection that form over Africa and move into the Atlantic. Tropical upper tropospheric troughs, which are cold-core upper level lows. A warm-core tropical cyclone may result when one of these (on occasion) works down to the lower levels and produces deep convection. Decaying frontal boundaries may occasionally stall over warm waters and produce lines of active convection. If a low level circulation forms under this convection, it may develop into a tropical cyclone.

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<< Back to: FAQ: HURRICANES, TYPHOONS AND TROPICAL CYCLONES (Part 1 of 2)

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Question by james
Submitted on 3/30/2004
Related FAQ: FAQ: HURRICANES, TYPHOONS AND TROPICAL CYCLONES (Part 1 of 2)
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how do cyclones form

Answer by Jake
Submitted on 11/2/2004
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they`re fomed by wind blowing around central area of low presure

Answer by Flake
Submitted on 11/8/2004
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Why does cyclone form? How do they form?

Answer by Santa Claus
Submitted on 2/12/2005
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Cyclones form when a bird called a squak comes down to earth on the 25th December. the bird stirrs up the air to form a cyclone. The squak only sends cyclones to the kids who are naughty. Merry Christmas!

Answer by Santa Claus
Submitted on 2/14/2005
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cyclones are formed when the squak comesdown to earth to the naughty kids. the squak stirs up the wind to form a very dangerous cyclone. the squak created cyclone tracy that destroyed darwin MERRY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer by fghg
Submitted on 2/22/2005
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i don't know

Answer by nufin
Submitted on 2/23/2005
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eat cheese

Answer by naz
Submitted on 3/29/2005
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dunno who cares

Answer by stefff
Submitted on 4/8/2005
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No i don't have an answer i want an answer

Answer by Kimberley Irwin
Submitted on 5/16/2005
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they occur when the water in the oceans are 27 degrees or more

Answer by wtf ur gay
Submitted on 8/29/2005
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i dunno im tryin to find out tha same thing

Answer by michalle
Submitted on 9/5/2005
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they form from the 7 regions

Answer by cutekiss
Submitted on 10/12/2005
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the wind is strong and pushes together and.......etc......

Answer by poop
Submitted on 11/8/2005
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I think there stupid swirly things

Answer by joy
Submitted on 3/27/2006
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what are the steps of a cyclone?

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Answer by Kizzy
Submitted on 4/4/2006
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How do Cyclones form