Tropical storms – distribution, formation and development
I can understand how tropical storms develop as a result of particular atmospheric conditions and where they are found.
Tropical storms – distribution, formation and development
I can understand how tropical storms develop as a result of particular atmospheric conditions and where they are found.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Tropical storms have distinctive structural characteristics and are widely distributed within the tropics.
- Tropical storms are related to the atmospheric circulation and are formed by particular meteorological conditions.
- Tropical storms form in source areas, intensify as they track over oceans and then dissipate.
- Climate change may affect the distribution, frequency and intensity of tropical storms.
Keywords
Coriolis effect - deflection of winds and ocean currents caused by Earth's rotation
Wind shear - the change in wind speed and direction at different altitudes
Latent heat - the energy stored in water vapour when it evaporates, that is released when the vapour condenses back into liquid water
Climate change - long-term changes in Earth's climate, mainly caused by human activities which increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Common misconception
Tropical storms can form over land.
Tropical storms form over warm ocean waters where they can draw energy from the heat and moisture. Once over land, they lose their energy source and weaken.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
