Test: Major Tropical Cyclone Zones (World) - UPSC MCQ

According to the World Meteorological Organization, weather systems with winds exceeding "Gale Force" (minimum of 63 km per hour) are classified as tropical cyclones. The term "cyclones" is used to describe these large-scale weather systems.

In the Northern Hemisphere, air in tropical cyclones circulates counterclockwise around the low-pressure center. This circulation pattern is a result of the Coriolis force, which deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

The center of a tropical cyclone is called the eye. It is a circular area with relatively calm weather and mild winds. The eye is surrounded by the eyewall, which is where the strongest winds and heaviest precipitation occur.

A large area of warm water surface with temperatures above 27°C is a crucial factor for the formation of tropical cyclones. Warm ocean waters provide the necessary energy and moisture for the development and intensification of these weather systems.

The outflow layer, located in the upper troposphere, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of a tropical cyclone's circulation. It allows the released air from the central region of the cyclone to escape outward, preventing the buildup of excessive air mass in the upper levels.

The North Atlantic basin, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, is known as one of the favorite breeding grounds for tropical cyclones. This region experiences a relatively high frequency of cyclone formation and intensification.

A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by the low atmospheric pressure and strong winds associated with a tropical cyclone. Storm surges can result in coastal inundation, flooding, and damage to coastal structures.

The primary cyclonic storm layer, which extends through the mid-troposphere, is characterized by intense convection, strong updrafts, and the formation of the eyewall. The eyewall is a ring of towering cumulonimbus clouds surrounding the eye and is where the strongest winds and heaviest precipitation occur.

Spiral bands are long, thin rain bands that contribute to the overall structure and development of a tropical cyclone. These bands are arranged around the cyclone and are associated with convective activity and rainfall.

The initial stage of a tropical cyclone's life cycle is referred to as the Formation and Initial Development Stage. During this stage, the cyclone begins to form and organize, acquiring the characteristic structure and circulation associated with tropical cyclones.