ESDM 206 _ Lesson 10

© 2022 Rahman, SMM
LESSON 10: TROPICAL CYCLONE
10.1. DEFINITION AND FACTS

Tropical cyclone, an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans
and is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.
Drawing energy from the sea surface and maintaining its strength as long as it remains
over warm water, a tropical cyclone generates winds that exceed 119 km (74 miles) per
hour. In extreme cases winds may exceed 240 km (150 miles) per hour, and gusts may
surpass 320 km (200 miles) per hour.
10.1.1. Are Tropical Cyclone, Typhon, and Hurricane Same?

Tropical cyclones are known by various names in different parts of the world.
• In the North Atlantic Ocean and the Eastern North Pacific, they are called
Hurricanes.
• In the Western North Pacific around the Philippines, Japan and China the storms
are referred to as Typhoons.
• In the Western South Pacific and Indian Ocean, they are variously referred to as
severe tropical cyclones, tropical cyclones, or simply cyclones.
10.2. ANATOMY OF A CYCLONE

Tropical cyclones are compact, circular storms, generally some 320 km (200 miles) in
diameter, whose winds swirl around a central region of low atmospheric pressure. The
winds are driven by this low-pressure core and by the rotation of Earth, which deflects
the path of the wind through a phenomenon known as the Coriolis force. As a result,
tropical cyclones rotate in a counterclockwise (or cyclonic) direction in the Northern
Hemisphere and in a clockwise (or anticyclonic) direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
10.2.1. The Eye

A characteristic feature of tropical cyclones is the eye, a central region of clear skies,
warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure. Typically, atmospheric pressure at
the surface of the Earth is about 1,000 millibars. At the centre of a tropical cyclone,
however, it is typically around 960 millibars, and in a very intense “super typhoon” of
the western Pacific it may be as low as 880 millibars.
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10.2.2. The Eyewall

The most dangerous and destructive part of a tropical cyclone is the eyewall. Here
winds are strongest, rainfall is heaviest, and deep convective clouds rise from close to
Earth’s surface to a height of 15,000 meters (49,000 feet). The high winds are driven
by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure near the eye, which creates a large pressure
gradient force.
10.2.3. The Rainbands

In addition to deep convective cells (compact regions of vertical air movement)
surrounding the eye, there are often secondary cells arranged in bands around the
center. These bands, commonly called rainbands, spiral into the center of the storm. In
some cases the rainbands are stationary relative to the center of the moving storm, and
in other cases they seem to rotate around the center.
10.3. DISSIPATION OF A CYCLONE

Tropical cyclones dissipate when they can no longer extract sufficient energy from
warm ocean water. A tropical cyclone can contribute to its own demise by stirring up
deeper, cooler ocean waters. In addition, a storm that moves over land will abruptly
lose its fuel source and quickly lose intensity. A tropical cyclone that remains over the
ocean and moves into higher latitudes will change its structure and become extratropical
as it encounters cooler water.
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© 2022 Rahman, SMM
10.3.1. Life Cycle of a Cyclone

1. Formation
a. Tropical disturbance to depression
b. Weak to moderate winds
c. Little to no rotation
2. Pre-maturity
a. Tropical storm
b. Moderate to strong winds
c. Moderate rotation
3. Full-maturity
a. Cyclone
b. Very strong winds
c. Rapid rotation with eye
4. Decay
a. Dissipation into weaker and weaker system
b. Entire cycles typically last between 1 to 2 weeks
10.4. THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON CYCLONE CYCLE
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© 2022 Rahman, SMM
10.5. SIGNAL SYSTEM OF CYCLONE IN BANGLADESH
10.6. CYCLONE FORECASTING

Tropical cyclone forecasting is the science of forecasting where a tropical cyclone's
center, and its effects, are expected to be at some point in the future.
Elements to tropical cyclone forecasting:

• track forecasting,
• intensity forecasting,
• rainfall forecasting,
• storm surge,
• tornado, and seasonal forecasting
While skill is increasing in regard to track forecasting, intensity forecasting skill

remains nearly unchanged over the past several years.
10.3.1. Steps for Effective Warning Response

At a minimum, those at risk need to:
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© 2022 Rahman, SMM
• have some personal understanding of the hazard itself,

• receive the forecast/warning,
• perceive the implied personal risk,
• believe the message, and
• know what protective actions to take.
10.3.1. Cyclone Forecasting and Warning Management System in Bangladesh
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© 2022 Rahman, SMM

LESSON 10: TROPICAL CYCLONE

10.1. DEFINITION AND FACTS

10.1.1. Are Tropical Cyclone, Typhon, and Hurricane Same?

10.2. ANATOMY OF A CYCLONE

10.2.1. The Eye

10.2.2. The Eyewall

10.2.3. The Rainbands

10.3. DISSIPATION OF A CYCLONE

10.3.1. Life Cycle of a Cyclone

10.4. THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON CYCLONE CYCLE

10.5. SIGNAL SYSTEM OF CYCLONE IN BANGLADESH

10.6. CYCLONE FORECASTING

Elements to tropical cyclone forecasting:

While skill is increasing in regard to track forecasting, intensity forecasting skill

10.3.1. Steps for Effective Warning Response

• have some personal understanding of the hazard itself,

10.3.1. Cyclone Forecasting and Warning Management System in Bangladesh

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