Tropical Storms: How they Form, Data, and Resources

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What causes tropical storms?

Tropical storms are caused by a difference in the temperatures of the air and the water. A “tropical area,” in terms of geography, is the area that is situated about 23 degrees, or 300 miles, both north and south of the equator. The position of the tropical storm to the equator determines the rotational movement of the tropical storm. The West Indies, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of Mexico are all places that have the necessary conditions for tropical storms to occur.

In order for a tropical storm to develop, there are several conditions that must exist. The temperature of the ocean water must be 80 degrees Fahrenheit at a minimum, and the water depth must be no less than 150 feet deep. These ideal temperatures occur near the end of the summer because of the ocean water receiving and retaining heat over the time span of several months. As the seasons begin to change, the temperature around the water begins to cool, another aspect of the development of a tropical storm. Read more about how tropical storms start.

Tropical storms begin when the air over the ocean water starts to drop off in temperature at a rapid rate. The warm, moist ocean vapor begins to rise, creating a large column of water vapor that continues to escalate upward. While the exchange of air and water continues, the column of air will grow high above the ocean surface. This process is called convection.

The last component needed to create a tropical storm is wind. If a strong wind is present in the start of the process, the entire system will be disrupted and no tropical storm will occur. However, if there is enough wind speed present once the warm column of air has initiated its process, then the potential for the creation of the tropical storm is present. Once the wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour, the weather event is classified as a tropical storm.

As the convection process spreads over a wider area and increases in rate, the storm increases in size and force. Because the geological area where tropical storms can develop is so large, there is plenty of space for the storm to grow in size and strength. The higher the speed of the wind, the more potential for damage when the storm hits a land mass.

Like most storms, tropical storms have significant potential for growth. As the wind begins to push against the column of warm, moist air, the speed can increase. Tropical storms have wind speeds of 39 to 73 miles per hour. Once the tropical storm hits speeds of 74 miles per hour, is upgraded in class to a hurricane. Tropical storms can have long life spans. Tropical storm Allison in 2001, for example, lasted two weeks. It started in the Gulf of Mexico and battered the north coast of Texas, then traveled in a complete circle back out to the Gulf. Once it was over the ocean again, it traveled over other parts of the southeastern United States, causing even further damage by creating a storm surge that can cause massive damage.

Tropical storms cause significant damage once they hit land. Loss of life, property damage, and geological destruction are caused by this form of natural disaster. The costs as a result of damages caused by a tropical storm can be well into the billions of dollars range. For example, the damage caused by Allison in 2001 was $5.5 billion.

Much research is being done to help detect and monitor the activity of tropical storms and hurricanes to help minimize or reduce the damage. Satellite imagery and more effective warning systems will allow meteorologists to provide the public with plenty of warning, as well as provide civil defense engineers to better prepare and develop appropriate preventive measures.

Research and Resources about Tropical Storms.

Hawaii.edu The tropical cyclone data
More info about tropical storms.
NASA is leading an aircraft campaign that will provide a sustained and unprecedented look at the inner workings of hurricane formation and intensification.
Marine Science Institute Tropical Storm and Hurricane Data
[Infographic] Tornado Guide
National Hurricane Center
UNC.Edu: This site contains links to information on the location, predicted movements, and effects of tropical storms around the world.

Resource by AnnaBelle

Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

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