Context:
After making landfall in the Philippines, Typhoon Gaemi is heading towards Taiwan.
Typhoon:
- A mature tropical cyclone that forms in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, primarily between 100°E and 180°E.
- Characterised by –.
- Strong winds, and heavy rain
- Cause significant damage due to high wind speeds, storm surges, and flooding.
- Factors causing its formation –
- Sustained ocean temperatures of 26.5°C or higher.
- High moisture content in the mid-troposphere.
- Presence of the Coriolis force to initiate rotation.
- Minimal vertical wind shear to allow for storm growth.
- Atmospheric instability to promote rising motion and thunderstorm activity.
- An initial low-pressure area or tropical wave to trigger development.
- Formation Regions – Pacific Ocean and South China Sea
| Type | Location |
| Typhoon | China Sea and Pacific Ocean |
| Hurricane | West Indian islands, Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean |
| Tornado | Guinea lands of West Africa, southern USA |
| Willy-willies | North-western Australia |
| Tropical Cyclone | Indian Ocean Region |
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (c)
