Tropical storms are huge storms that develop in the Tropics (a region of the earth north and south of the Equator). In the USA and the Caribbean they are called hurricanes, in Australia and southeast Asia they are known as cyclones, and in Japan they are called typhoons.
Using an atlas or Google Maps, name four countries likely to experience a tropical storm according to this map.
HURRICANES HURRICANES TYPHOONS
Equator CYCLONES KEY
Areas in which tropical storms form
How do Hurricanes Form?
Hurricanes form over warm ocean water found in the Tropics.
Warm moist air rises. As it rises it cools and condenses (gas changes to a liquid).
As the air condenses it releases heat, which powers the storm.
When wind speed reaches 120 km per hour, the storm is officially labelled a tropical storm.
Several thunderstorms join together.
The storm develops an ‘eye’ in its middle (an area of calm weather).
The storm is carried across the ocean by winds, getting stronger as it goes.
More water is drawn upwards from the ocean.
When it reaches land, friction with the land’s surface can weaken it.
CYCLONES
Have you ever wondered how hurricanes are named or who names them? Go online to find out 1. Who names hurricanes; 2. How the names are chosen; and 3. Why hurricanes are named.
