2.5 Tropical Cyclone

1. Tropical Cyclones are intense low-pressure systems that form over warm oceans.

2. Tropical Cyclones form in the band between 5 degrees and 22 degrees N and S of the Equator over oceans with a temperature greater than 26.5 degrees Celsius.

3.Tropical Cyclones mainly effect areas north of Perth along the coasts of WA and the NT. They can also effect the coastline of QU and occasionally north NSW.

4. Six Tropical Cyclones are expected to cross the Australian coastline each year.

5. Tropical Cyclones are also known as Typhoons and Hurricanes

6. Tropical cyclones develop in the tropical regions of the world. Heat from the sun causes warm, moist air to rise into the atmosphere. As the air rises, a low pressure system forms and condensation occurs, which releases latent heat causing the air to rise further into the atmosphere. If the air pressure in the upper atmosphere is high, then the rising column of warm air will spiral outwards in the upper atmosphere and air will rush from the surface to replace it, forming a Tropical Cyclone.

7. The eye of a Tropical Cyclone is the central spiral which happens to be the calmest area of the Cyclone.

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9. Tropical Cyclones are downgraded to Tropical Storms when they move over land or cooler water. This is because warm water is no longer available and therefore can not function