Typhoons: Formation, Structure, Impact, and Tracking, Slides of Earth Sciences

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A typhoon is a type of powerful tropical storm that

forms over warm ocean waters in the Northwest

Pacific Ocean, specifically around East and Southeast

Asia. It’s essentially the same weather phenomenon as

a hurricane (in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific) or a

cyclone (in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific).

Typhoons are characterized by their intense winds,

heavy rain, and can lead to severe flooding, landslides,

and other damage, especially along coastlines.

This low-pressure area draws in more moist air,

creating a continuous cycle. When this system gains

enough strength and rotation (due to the Earth’s

spin, known as the Coriolis effect ), a tropical storm

forms and may grow into a typhoon if it reaches

higher wind speeds (typically over 119 km/h or 74

mph).

Structure

• Eye : The calm center of the typhoon, where winds are light,

and skies may be clear.

• Eyewall : Surrounds the eye and contains the most intense

winds and heaviest rainfall, making it the most dangerous

part of the typhoon.

• Rainbands : Curved bands of clouds and thunderstorms

extending out from the center, bringing heavy rain, wind, and

sometimes tornadoes.

Impact

Typhoons can cause heavy rain , high winds , storm

surges (flooding from the sea), flooding , and

landslides.

Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, and

densely populated regions can suffer severe

economic losses and human casualties if

preparedness measures are insufficient.

Tracking and Forecasting

Meteorologists track typhoons using satellites,

weather stations, and computer models to

predict their path and strength.

Forecasting helps in issuing warnings, which

are critical for evacuations and disaster

preparedness.

Understanding typhoons helps in

better preparation, especially in

areas frequently impacted by

these powerful storms.