Cyclones

By Shravani, Naman, Maher and

Viraj
What is a Cyclone?
A cyclone is a large air
mass that rotates around
a strong center of low
atmospheric pressure,
counter clockwise in the
Northern Hemisphere
and clockwise in the
Southern Hemisphere as
viewed from above
 How are cyclones created?
A cyclone is formed when the warm, moist air
rises over the ocean. As this air moves up, a low-
pressure area is formed below. Now the low-
pressure area is filled with the high-pressure air
from the surroundings. This process happens
over and over again.
 Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are rotating, low pressure systems.
They are known as hurricanes, cyclones and
typhoons in different areas of the world.

Measuring between 100-2000km across the rotating

clouds surround a central, calm eye. The magnitude
of tropical cyclones is measured on the Saffir-
Simpson Scale from 1 to 5.
Characteristics of Tropical Cyclone
include:
• Heavy rainfall
• High wind speeds
• High waves and storm surges
 Cyclone prone
areas in world
Areas of tropical cyclone
formation are divided into
seven basins. These include the
north Atlantic Ocean, the
eastern and western parts of
the northern Pacific Ocean, the
south western Pacific, the
south western and south
eastern Indian Oceans, and the
northern Indian Ocean
(Arabian Sea and Bay of
Bengal)
Example of a Destructive Cyclone
Hurricane Katrina devastated the entire
Gulf Coast of Mississippi in August
2005. Winds were blowing at the speed
of 201 km/h. The torrential rainfall and
storm surge caused Lake Ponchartrain
to flood, drowning 80 per cent of New
Orleans. This destructive storm took
more than 1,800 lives and hundreds
went missing. With more than $81
billion in damages, Katrina was the most
devastating natural disaster in the
history of the United States.
 Cyclone Prone areas in
India
States such as Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa,
Gujarat, Puducherry and
West Bengal are the most
prone areas in India
 Cyclones in India
The Indian subcontinent is among the worst cyclone-hit regions of
the world. It is exposed to nearly 10 per cent of the world's
tropical cyclones. Most of these cyclones originate in the Bay of
Bengal, accounting for five to six cyclones every year, of which
two or three could be severe.

The damages caused by cyclones depend on its intensity, location

and size. Cyclones damage buildings, power infrastructure,
communication towers, hospitals, food storage facilities, roads,
bridges and crops.
 What to do during a Cyclone?
• When your area is under cyclone warning get away from low-lying beaches or other low-
lying areas close to the coast.

• Leave early before your way to high ground or shelter gets flooded or if your house is
securely built on high ground take shelter in the safe part of the house.

• Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store extra drinking water in suitably
covered vessels.

• Switch off the electrical mains in your house.

• If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind
and rain lasting for half an hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately
after that, very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction.
 Fun Fact
Cyclones are storms known by different names in different
parts of the world.

 Typhoon – In the northwestern Pacific Ocean

 Hurricane – In the Atlantic Ocean and in the northeastern

Pacific Ocean

 Cyclone – In the Indian Ocean

Thank You