SciDev.Net
Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
Definitions
A directory of terms associated with tropical cyclones. (Sources: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Cambridge Dictionary, the IPCC Fourth Assessment Reports and Wikipedia).
Producing enough food for a rapidly growing population, and taking care of our planet are two of the world's biggest challenges.
T
Tropical cyclone
A storm originating over tropical or subtropical waters, characterised by strong rainstorms and high-velocity winds that circulate around a central area of very low pressure.
Tropical depression
A frequent type of tropical cyclone, characterised by wind speeds of less than 8 metres per second.
Tropical low
The most frequent type of tropical cyclone, characterised by wind speeds of 8–17 metres per second.
Typhoon
A violent wind, accompanied by heavy rainfall, which has a circular movement around an area of low pressure, found in the west Pacific Ocean.
