How Cyclones Form

Cyclones are powerful, rotating weather systems that form over warm ocean
waters. They begin as low-pressure systems that draw in warm, moist air, causing
it to rise and creating a spinning circular pattern of thunderstorms and high
winds.
Warm Ocean Temperatures
Cyclones require warm ocean temperatures, typically at least 26°C (79°F), to
provide the energy that fuels their formation and intensification. This warm
ocean water evaporates, adding heat and moisture to the air, which then rises and
condenses into clouds.
Coriolis Effect
The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, causes the spinning air in a
cyclone to spiral outward, creating the characteristic circular wind pattern. This
spiral motion is what gives cyclones their distinctive swirling shape.
Low-Pressure Systems
Cyclones form when an area of low atmospheric pressure develops over warm
ocean waters. This low-pressure system draws in surrounding air, which then
rises, cools, and condenses, forming the clouds and thunderstorms that make up
the cyclone.
Spiral Wind Patterns
Inward Spiral
1
The warm, moist air spirals inward towards the center of the low-pressure system.

Upward Motion
2
As the air moves inward, it rises, cools, and condenses, forming the clouds and
thunderstorms of the cyclone.

Outward Spiral
3
The air then spirals outward at the top of the cyclone, completing the circular wind
pattern.
The Eye of the Cyclone

Calm Center Visible from Space

At the center of a mature cyclone is the "eye", a The eye of a cyclone is clearly visible from
relatively calm and clear region surrounded by the satellite imagery, indicating the storm's
storm's powerful winds. organization and intensity.
Destructive Power of Cyclones

1 High Winds 2 Storm Surge

Cyclones can produce winds exceeding The low pressure and strong winds of a
250 km/h (155 mph), capable of causing cyclone can drive a wall of water,
widespread damage to buildings, known as a storm surge, that can flood
infrastructure, and vegetation. coastal areas.

3 Heavy Rainfall
Cyclones often bring torrential rain, leading to flooding and landslides that can devastate
communities.
Cyclone Prediction and Preparedness
Early Warning Systems Evacuation Plans Infrastructure Resilience

Sophisticated weather Governments and emergency Building codes, storm-proof

monitoring and modeling
allow for the early detection
and tracking of cyclones,
giving communities time to
prepare.
services work to ensure that shelters, and other measures
vulnerable populations can be can help communities
safely evacuated ahead of a withstand the impacts of a
cyclone's landfall. cyclone.
Mitigating the Impact of Cyclones

Reforestation Renewable Energy Preparedness Kits

Planting trees and restoring Investing in renewable energy Encouraging households to
natural habitats can help reduce sources can make communities maintain emergency supplies
the impact of cyclones and less vulnerable to power can help people cope in the
storm surges. outages caused by cyclones. aftermath of a cyclone.