Typhoon Shanshan

About Tropical Cyclone:

• A tropical cyclone is a significant weather phenomenon.
• Formation: These cyclones originate over warm ocean waters near the equator. Warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface, creating a low-pressure area.
  • Surrounding higher-pressure air moves towards this low-pressure zone, causing the air to warm up and rise further. As the rising air cools, it forms clouds.
  • This system of spinning clouds and wind intensifies with the ocean’s heat. As wind speeds increase, an eye forms at the centre.

Characteristics of a Tropical Cyclone:

• Calm centre: The cyclone’s centre is typically calm and clear, with very low air pressure.
• Speed: The average wind speed is around 120 km/h.
• Closed isobars: These cyclones have closed isobars, leading to higher wind velocities. Isobars are imaginary lines on a weather map that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure.
• Origin: They form exclusively over oceans and seas.
• Movement: Tropical cyclones move from east to west, are influenced by trade winds, and are seasonal.

Classification of Cyclones:

• Cyclones are categorised by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)based on wind speeds:
  • Depression: Wind speeds between 31–49 km/h
  • Deep depression: Wind speeds between 50-61 km/h
  • Cyclonic storm: Wind speeds between 62–88 km/h
  • Severe cyclonic storm: Wind speeds between 89-117 km/h
  • Very severe cyclonic storm: Wind speeds between 118-166 km/h
  • Extremely severe cyclonic storm: Wind speeds between 166-221 km/h
  • Super cyclonic storm: Wind speeds above 222 km/h

Naming of Tropical Cyclones:

• Tropical cyclones are named by one of five regional bodies:
  • ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee
  • WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones
  • RA I Tropical Cyclone Committee
  • RA IV Hurricane Committee
  • RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee

In the Indian Ocean, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones is responsible for naming cyclones.

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Q1. Which country has given the name to Cyclone Mandous?

The name, ‘Mandous’, was suggested by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2020 as a member of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Source: Typhoon Shanshan moves closer to Japan’s coast; rains, winds cause flight and rail disruptions | World News