Summary
Highlights
A tropical depression can intensify into a tropical storm and then a full-fledged typhoon, fueled by warm, moist air.
A mature typhoon has a calm center called the eye, surrounded by a powerful ring of thunderstorms known as the eyewall. Air descends in the eye, creating calm conditions.
Typhoons are massive tropical storms characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a distinct spiral shape. They are also known as hurricanes or cyclones in different parts of the world.
The birthplace of a typhoon is warm ocean waters. Sea surface temperatures must be around 26°C (79°F) or higher to provide the necessary energy for a typhoon to form.
As the sun heats the ocean's surface, water evaporates and rises into the atmosphere. This moist, warm air creates a low-pressure area, drawing in more air.
The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, plays a crucial role. It causes the rising air to rotate, setting the stage for a spinning storm.
When the rotating system gains enough organization and strength, it becomes a tropical depression, the first step in typhoon formation.
Typhoons can intensify rapidly under favorable conditions, such as warm ocean waters and low wind shear, potentially growing into a Category 5 typhoon quickly.
Typhoons cause devastating impacts including strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding. Meteorologists track their paths using satellite technology and models to issue warnings and protect communities.