Interesting Facts about Hurricanes

Tropical cyclones are also referred to as hurricanes. They are formed when heat is released as moist air rises, during evaporation. The resultant; condensation of water vapor, fuels the formation of cyclonic windstorms and polar lows. This phenomenon leads to the formation of a warm-core storm system. Hurricanes are commonly observed along the equator doldrums and tropical regions of the planet. The counterclockwise rotation observed in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise rotation of winds recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, differ in strength according to location and surge.

Interesting Facts about Hurricanes

Hurricanes are also called typhoons, cyclonic storms and tropical depressions. They are characterized by powerful winds, torrential rain, formation of high waves and tornadoes. Most hurricanes develop over large water bodies, and gradually fade out as they move inland. This is the main reason behind the coastal regions facing a lot of damage to life and property, in comparison to the inland regions. Hurricanes generate inland flooding, and storm surges up to 40 kilometers! The movement of warm air, within the hurricane, from the tropics to the temperate latitudes, makes them a major air circulation mechanism. The other advantages of hurricanes include their role in relieving drought and maintaining the troposphere's equilibrium.

Tropical hurricanes have a core of 'sinking' air, also referred to as the 'eye of the hurricane'. Interestingly, the weather in this core region is calm and cloud free. The spherical formation may range in size from more than 2.5 kilometers to 370 kilometers in diameter! The 'stadium effect' is a phenomenon that refers to the outward curving of the eye-wall, to resemble a stadium. The hurricane also has a CDO or Central Dense Overcast. This region is the concentrated thunderstorm bearing region near the center or eye of the hurricane. The size of a hurricane is usually determined on the basis of the measurement from the 'center of circulation' to the outermost 'isobar'. The primary energy source within the formation is the heat released during the process of evaporation and physical forces such as the Earth's gravity and rotation.

Hurricane formation is currently being extensively researched upon. The exact point at which each of the hurricane triggers, spark the onset remains unknown. A detailed study of the tropical water temperature variations, rapid cooling with altitude, high humidity, low wind shear, and the presence of a previously existent disturbance in weather, is very important to understand the phenomenon. Tropical hurricanes are associated with shipwrecks, large-scale destruction to life and property, and increased risk of disease propagation.

Hurricane activity is most commonly observed in late summer. This is mainly due to the striking difference between sea temperatures and seasonal basin patterns, within each identified temperature zone. While May is observed as the least active hurricane month, September is considered the most active, worldwide. The six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers worldwide are responsible for tracking hurricanes. These laboratories also issue warnings and advisories about hurricane formations in the designated areas. They function alongside six Tropical Cyclone/Hurricane Warning Centers, that ensure awareness in smaller regions. Hurricane Katrina became the first recorded South Atlantic cyclone on 26 March, 2004. But, 'Hurricane Santa Ana' is clearly the first hurricane on record ever. This violent hurricane struck Puerto Rico on July 26, 1825, claiming life and property for hundreds of miles inland.