How Are Tropical Storms Formed

Question 1

Where do tropical storms form?

Answer 1

They occur within the tropics between 5-30degrees N/S of the equator - not on the equator though

Question 2

What is the Coriolis effect?

Answer 2

The effect of the earths rotation.

Question 3

What temperature does the sea need to be for a tropical storm to form?

Answer 3

Needs to be 27degrees+

Question 4

Step 1

Answer 4

Warm water causes water to evaporate which creates low pressure.

Question 5

Step 2

Answer 5

The air is heated above the surface of warm, tropical oceans. The warm air rises rapidly, drawing more air and large volumes of moisture from the ocean. Rising air cools and condenses to form tall cumulonimbus clouds.

Question 6

Step 3

Answer 6

Winds will spin upwards due to the coriolis effect. Cold air sinks in the eye, creating calm, drier conditions. Storm steered by prevailing wind. When it reaches land, storm loses its source of power. Friction also slows it down.