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Factors Affecting the Formation of Tropical Storms
Tropical storms, also known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region, are powerful weather phenomena that form over warm ocean waters in tropical and subtropical regions. These storms are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low pre
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1. Warm Ocean Waters:
Tropical storms require warm ocean waters with a temperature of at least 26.5°C (80°F) to a depth of about 50 meters. Warm waters provide the necessary heat and moisture for the storm's energy and intensification. Warm air at the ocean surface rises, crea
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2. Coriolis Effect:
The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, is a critical factor in tropical storm formation. In the Northern Hemisphere, winds are deflected to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, winds are deflected to the left. This effect creates the
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3. Low Vertical Wind Shear:
Vertical wind shear refers to the change in wind speed and direction with altitude. Tropical storms require low vertical wind shear, as high wind shear can disrupt the storm's development by tilting it and preventing the vertical alignment needed for inte
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4. High Humidity:
High humidity in the lower atmosphere is essential for tropical storm formation. Moisture-laden air evaporating from warm ocean waters rises and condenses, releasing latent heat that powers the storm's upward motion and intensification. This process of la
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5. Instability in the Atmosphere:
A stable atmosphere resists upward motion of warm, moist air, hindering storm development. However, an unstable atmosphere allows warm, moist air to rise freely, creating the conditions necessary for tropical storm formation. Instability promotes the form
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6. Location and Latitude:
Tropical storms form at specific latitudes, typically between 5° and 20° north or south of the equator. These regions receive the most direct and concentrated solar energy, which contributes to the warm ocean temperatures required for storm development. T
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7. Easterly Waves and Disturbances:
Tropical storms often originate from easterly waves or disturbances, which are areas of low pressure moving westward across the tropics. These disturbances can develop into organized storm systems if the environmental conditions are favorable, including w
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8. Ocean Heat Content:
The heat content of the upper ocean layer plays a role in tropical storm intensification. Deep warm water provides a continuous source of heat and moisture to the storm, allowing it to sustain its energy and strength over time. Regions with a deep layer o
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conclusion
In conclusion, the formation of tropical storms is a complex process influenced by a combination of factors including warm ocean waters, the Coriolis effect, low wind shear, high humidity, atmospheric instability, location and latitude, easterly waves, an
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Card 2

Front

1. Warm Ocean Waters:

Back

Tropical storms require warm ocean waters with a temperature of at least 26.5°C (80°F) to a depth of about 50 meters. Warm waters provide the necessary heat and moisture for the storm's energy and intensification. Warm air at the ocean surface rises, crea

Card 3

Front

2. Coriolis Effect:

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

3. Low Vertical Wind Shear:

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

4. High Humidity:

Back

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