Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Tropical Cyclones: The Amazing and Deadly Storms

Tropical cyclones are caused by a very exact sequence of events, and can lead to many disasters. They are also known as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on their location and intensity. The effects of a tropical cyclone are nearly apocalyptic in nature. If you live in an area that is prone towards cyclones, you will want to be as cautious as possible. If you are more informed about cyclones and how they work, you may be able to foresee them and evacuate the area. You will also be more informed by knowing what exactly is going on, and why the world has erupted into chaos.

Warm air always rises above cold air. Well, when that warm air holds a large amount of water vapors, it has the potential of causing a tropical cyclone. The water vapor condenses into a more solid substance, and sets off a chain of reactions. If everything is perfect, with a high humidity level, high water temperatures, and cool air at a higher altitude, the tropical cyclone will form. It first starts out by producing strong winds, but can quickly escalate into much more serious side effects. Tornadoes may branch off and start their own miniature paths of destruction. Usually huge amounts of rainfall are associated with tropical cyclones. Waves will almost double in size, with water essentially battering the land.

Tropical cyclones are mobile, and tend to move around during their lives. Once they move over land, they become particularly destructive towards whatever lies below. However, as soon as they are robbed of water energy, their power begins to decrease. Eventually they calm down and turn into nothing more than a regular storm. That is when the citizens of the land below all sigh in relief and begin to rebuild their structures that were harmed in the course of the tropical cyclone.

Forecasting these cyclones is a fairly great possibility, at least compared to the prediction of other natural disasters. If various things can be monitored, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, it is possible to decide which areas have a high risk of forming tropical cyclones. Technology is in development to be able to do all of these things, and hopefully some of the more risky areas will be able to get advanced warning.

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