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What is the impact of Coriolis force and latent heat in the development of tropical cyclones

What is the impact of Coriolis force and latent heat in the development of tropical cyclones On this page, we examine the role that latent heat and coriolis force play in the formation of tropical cyclones. Latent heat and coriolis force are both necessary for the development of tropical cyclones. We will examine their role in the development of tropical cyclones in the sections below.

The Coriolis forces in the development of tropical cyclones

The Coriolis effect is the effect of the earth’s rotation on horizontally moving bodies such as the wind and ocean currents. Such bodies tend to be deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere (clockwise) and to the left in the southern hemisphere (counterclockwise). The amount by which the object is deflected depends on its speed and latitude. For a more in-depth explanation of this force and a very effective animated demonstration of its effect, look at the University of Iowa Coriolis page.

The Coriolis force has a different effect on high pressure systems than it does on low pressure systems. You might want to search for an illustration to examine the direction that winds will blow around a low pressure system (called a cyclone) and a high pressure system (called an anticyclone). Would a cyclone in the northern hemisphere blow in the same direction as a cyclone in the southern hemisphere? Why or why not?

Latent Heat in the development of tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones are characterized and driven by the release of large amounts of latent heat of condensation as moist air is carried upwards and its water vapor condenses. This heat is distributed vertically, around the centre of the storm. Thus, at any given altitude (except close to the surface where water temperature dictates air temperature) the environment inside the cyclone is warmer than its outer surroundings.

 

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