Hurricanes - Lifecycle.

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Hurricanes - Lifecycle    

Hurricanes are one of the most dangerous natural hazards to people and the environment. Every year immense damage is done by hurricanes and other similar tropical storms. However, hurricanes are essential features of the Earth’s atmosphere, as they transfer heat and energy between the equator and the cooler regions towards the poles.

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a large rotating storm centred around an area of very low pressure with strong winds blowing at an average speed in excess of 74 miles per hour. The whole storm system may be up to 10 miles high and on averag 500 miles wide. It moves forward like an immense spinning top, at speeds up to 20 mph.

How do hurricanes form?

There are various trigger mechanisms required to transform frequent storms into rarer hurricanes. These trigger mechanisms depend on several conditions being ‘right’ at the same time. The most influential factors are:

a source of very warm, moist air - derived from tropical oceans with surface temperatures greater than 26C,

sufficient spin or twist from the rotating earth - this is related to latitude

As the warm sea heats the air above it, a current of very warm moist air rises up quickly, creating a centre of low pressure at the surface. Trade winds rush in towards this low pressure and the inward spiralling winds whirl upwards releasing heat and moisture before descending.

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The rotation of the Earth causes the rising column to twist, gradually taking on the form of a cylinder whirling around an eye of relatively still air, free from clouds. The rising air cools and produces towering cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds.

Further aloft at 6 miles the cloud tops are carried outwards to give thick layer clouds due to the outward spiralling winds leaving the hurricane core.

How does the hurricane obtain its energy?

Great amounts of energy are transferred when warm water is evaporated from tropical seas. This energy is stored within the water vapour contained ...

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