Typhoon, cyclone, and hurricane are different names for the same meteorological phenomenon: a
tropical cyclone. The terminology used depends on the region:
- *Typhoon:* Used in the northwest Pacific Ocean, particularly in the areas around Japan and China.
- *Cyclone:* Commonly used in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
- *Hurricane:* Used in the North Atlantic Ocean and the central and eastern North Pacific Ocean.
Despite the different names, these storms share similar characteristics, forming over warm ocean waters
and featuring a rotating system of clouds and wind.
Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 39 miles per hour (mph) are
called tropical depressions. Those with maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or higher are called
tropical storms. When a storm's maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is called a hurricane.
Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 39 miles per hour (mph) are
called tropical depressions. Those with maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or higher are called
tropical storms. When a storm's maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is called a hurricane.
What is most likely a cause of hurricanes? In the simplest terms, the Sun's heat and Earth's rotation
lead to hurricanes. Near the equator, the Sun's intense rays warm vast areas of ocean. The Sun's heat
causes ocean surface waters to evaporate. The warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses to form
clouds.
Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area distinguished by swift
and often destructive air circulation. Cyclones are usually accompanied by violent storms and bad
weather. Locally known generally as bagyo, typhoons regularly form in the Philippine Sea and less
regularly, in the South China Sea, with the months of June to September being the most active,
August being the month with the most activity. What is considered a cyclone? Overview, A tropical
cyclone is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or
subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation. Tropical cyclones rotate counterclockwise
in the Northern Hemisphere.
5 types of typhoon From PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale Category and Sustained winds
Super typhoon (STY) ≥185 km/h ≥100 knots Typhoon (TY) 118–184 km/h 64–99 knots Severe
tropical storm (STS) 89–117 km/h 48–63 knots Tropical storm (TS) 62–88 km/h 34–47 knot Causes
of typhoon It must be in sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures, atmospheric instability, high
humidity in the lower-to-middle levels of the troposphere, have enough Coriolis effect to develop a
low pressure centre, a pre-existing low level focus or disturbance, and a low vertical wind shear.
