Question map
Consider the following conditions favourable for the formation and intensification of Tropical Storms : 1. Presence of the Coriolis force 2. Upper divergence above the sea level system 3. High variations in the vertical wind speed Which of the conditions given above is/are correct ?
Explanation
Tropical storm formation and intensification require specific atmospheric conditions. First, the presence of the Coriolis force is essential to create the cyclonic vortex; its absence near the equator (0°-5° latitude) prevents the spiraling of air, causing low-pressure systems to fill rather than intensify [4]. Second, upper-level divergence (anticyclonic circulation) at heights of 9,000 to 15,000 meters is necessary to pump out ascending air, thereby maintaining the low pressure at the center [1]. Third, high variations in vertical wind speed (high vertical wind shear) are actually unfavorable, as they inhibit the development of towering cumulonimbus clouds and disrupt the vertical transport of latent heat [3]. Therefore, only conditions 1 and 2 are favorable for the formation and intensification of tropical storms.
Sources
- [2] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters > Tropical Cyclone > p. 60
- [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Why Tropical Cyclones Do Not Form At The Equator? > p. 309
- [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Te following conditions are required for the origin and development of a tropical cyclone: > p. 47
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 26: Tropical Cyclones > Wind Shear > p. 359