Tropical Cyclone: A Basic Perspective

Tropical Cyclones (TCs) are the synoptic scale rotating, self-sustained giant atmospheric heat engine that originates over the tropical oceans. Prevailing atmospheric and sea surface conditions control the genesis and life cycle of TCs. Warm ocean water with sustained low pressure along with mid-tropospheric moist air generates an unstable atmosphere for tropical cyclogenesis. There are seven tropical cyclone genesis basins geographically located over the globe. Moving air mass and winds are deflected left or right due to the Coriolis effect of rotating tilted earth. TCs genesis zone used to be located between 5° and 30° latitudes. Generally, TCs move towards the north and northwest direction in the northern hemisphere. A well-established TCs contains active spiral rain bands outside of the convective eyewalls. The center of TCs has calm and subsidizing winds which is the eye of TCs. The intensity, duration, and frequency of TCs are mostly controlled by Ocean-atmospheric interactions and ocean basins. Coastal regions of the tropical oceans have frequent landfall of TCs which endangers human life and property. Strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges pose flooding situations over coastal regions and also have disastrous impacts on life and the environment.