Tropical cyclone

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/tropical-cyclone

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the geographic formation zones?Primarily between 5 and 30 degrees latitude in both hemispheres
2. What is the primary energy source?Latent heat released from condensation of water vapor
3. Why do tropical cyclones need warm ocean water?Warm water gives the storm heat and moisture. When the air rises and condenses, it releases heat that makes the storm stronger.
4. How do tropical cyclones get their spin?The Earth’s rotation, called the Coriolis effect, makes the storm rotate. It works best when the storm is far enough from the equator.

Latent Heat Release: Energy released when water vapor condenses into liquid water, fueling storm development.
Vertical Wind Shear: The change in wind speed and direction with height, which can disrupt storm formation.
Storm Surge: An abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide.