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Typhoon
What is Typhoon?
Hurricane = typhoon = cyclone – all different words for the same thing
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Requirements for Hurricanes
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Sea surface temperatures must be above 26C (79F)
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This may shift to a warmer temperature threshold in a warmer climate though
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Must be at least 5 degrees off the equator
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Not much wind shear
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Wind shear: when the winds change with height
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Ocean temperatures must be warm a bit below the surface (~100 m)
How does a Typhoon develop?
1. Typhoons start off as tropical thunderstorms. The strong winds pull in moisture from the oceans.
2. The thunderstorms convert the moisture into heat. The heat causes more air to flow to the center of the storm causing evaporation.
3. All the heat and air flow toward the eye creating the typhoon.
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