BIOL1300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Coriolis Force
29 May 2017
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Document Summary
Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are names for cyclonic storms that form in warm, tropical waters. These storms have very high winds, and also raise the water level above normal values. When the hurricane-driven rise in water level is combined with a very high tide, the storm surge can cause significant flooding (e. g. hurricane sandy) Hurricane: a cyclone tropical storm with sustained winds at or above 74 mph that forms in the atlantic and northeast pacific oceans. Cyclone: a hurricane that forms in the indian ocean. Typhoon: a hurricane that forms in the south pacific. Water evaporates near the equator, and travels to the poles (antarctica) Ocean waters are warmer near the equator. It is easier for water to evaporate at warmer temperatures; warm air can hold more water, and less additional heat is required to cause water molecules to enter the gas phase. Tropical and subtropical waters are a significant source of atmospheric water vapor.
