Consider the following statements regarding tropical cyclones: Statement I: They require a continuous supply of warm ocean water with a surface temperature of at least 26.5 degrees Celsius to develop. Statement II: The Coriolis force at the equator is maximum, which facilitates the rapid rotation of these storms. Which of the following is correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement I is correct because warm ocean water of at least 26.5 degrees Celsius provides the necessary latent heat of condensation to fuel tropical cyclones. Statement II is incorrect because the Coriolis force is zero at the equator, which is why tropical cyclones never form within five degrees latitude of the equator. Cyclogenesis requires both pre-existing low-level vorticity and weak vertical wind shear.