Tropical Cyclone: Definition, Causes, and Characteristics to Watch Out For

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesia often experiences extreme weather that causes heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves. One of the main causes of this phenomenon is tropical cyclones, large storm systems that form over warm waters. Their presence often has significant impacts, both directly and indirectly, on weather conditions in various regions.

According to the BMKG Maritime Meteorology Center, tropical cyclones are low-pressure storms with very high wind speeds, gracefully rotating around their center. To form, tropical cyclones require a minimum sea surface temperature of 26.5°C, and their wind speeds can exceed 34 knots!

So, how exactly do tropical cyclones form? What are their impacts on the environment and what are the appropriate mitigation measures? Here is a complete review summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Thursday (6/2).

1. What is a Tropical Cyclone?

A tropical cyclone is a large storm that forms over warm ocean waters with a non-frontal low-pressure system. This storm is characterized by very strong circular wind movement around its center, known as the "eye of the cyclone." In a tropical cyclone system, the eye of the cyclone is the calmest area, while surrounding it is the cyclone wall that has heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Tropical cyclones have different names in various regions:

• Hurricane (North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific)
• Typhoon (Western Pacific)
• Cyclone (Indian Ocean and South Pacific)

This phenomenon has a lifespan that varies between 3 to 18 days and can weaken when moving over land or cold waters.

2. Causes of Tropical Cyclone Formation

Tropical cyclones do not form randomly; rather, they develop through a series of supportive atmospheric conditions. Here are some main factors that cause them:

- High Sea Surface Temperature

A tropical cyclone can only develop if the sea surface temperature reaches at least 26.5°C to a depth of 60 meters. This temperature generates sufficient evaporation to form storm clouds.

- High Atmospheric Humidity

A high level of humidity in the middle atmosphere (about 5 km above sea level) is important to support the growth of convective clouds that become the precursors to storms.

- Unstable Atmosphere

An unstable atmospheric condition triggers the formation of Cumulonimbus clouds, which are the main indicators of strong convective areas.

- Distance from the Equator

Tropical cyclones typically form at least 500 km from the equator, as the Coriolis effect is necessary to create circular wind rotation.

3. The Formation Process of Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones have four main stages in their life cycle:

- Formation Stage

The initial occurrence of a cyclone happens when there is an atmospheric disturbance that creates a convective area. From satellite images, spiral clouds begin to form.

- Developing Stage

The structure of the cyclone continues to develop with decreasing air pressure and increasing wind speed. At this stage, a circulation center begins to form and spiral-shaped clouds become more distinct.

- Mature Stage

The tropical cyclone reaches its maximum strength. The winds are rotating steadily with high rainfall. If strong enough, the eye of the cyclone can be clearly seen from satellites.

- Weakening Stage

The cyclone begins to lose its strength as it moves into colder waters or over land. Air pressure increases and the storm structure gradually weakens.

4. Impact of Tropical Cyclones

The impacts of tropical cyclones can be divided into two categories: direct and indirect impacts.

Direct Impacts:

• High waves, which endanger water activities and can cause coastal flooding.
• Storms and storm surges, causing a rise in sea levels that can submerge coastlines.
• Heavy rain, potentially leading to floods and landslides.
• Strong winds, damaging buildings, power lines, and infrastructure.

Indirect Impacts:

• Changes in weather patterns, resulting in high rainfall in one area and drought in another.
• Disruptions in air and sea transportation due to strong winds and high waves that are hazardous for flights and shipping.

5. Tropical Cyclone Mitigation Efforts

Mitigation of tropical cyclone disasters involves various anticipatory measures to reduce their adverse impacts:

Early Warnings by BMKG

• BMKG, through the Jakarta Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC), continuously monitors the development of tropical cyclones and provides early warnings to communities in at-risk areas.

Infrastructure Preparedness

• The government and communities need to ensure that buildings are resilient to strong winds and that drainage systems function properly to reduce flood risks.

Community Education and Preparedness

• Communities must understand the early signs of tropical cyclones and safe evacuation methods.
• Preparing emergency bags containing important documents, dry food, drinking water, flashlights, and medications.

6. Questions About Tropical Cyclones

1. What is the difference between a tropical cyclone and a tornado?

A tornado occurs over land with a smaller radius, while a tropical cyclone forms over the ocean with a larger radius.

2. Why does Indonesia rarely experience tropical cyclones directly?

Indonesia is located near the equator, where the Coriolis effect necessary for cyclone formation is relatively weak.

3. How can one know if a tropical cyclone is present?

The public can monitor weather information from BMKG or use weather forecasting applications.

(kpl/rmt)