Earth Science - Typhoons (2)

- Conditions for Typhoon Formation 1. Sea surface temperature above 27°C: Warm water generates water vapor, creating updrafts for low pressure. 2. Coriolis Force from Earth's Rotation: This is the fundamental force that causes the low-pressure system of a typhoon to rotate. It's difficult for typhoons to form at the equator because the Coriolis force is 0. They primarily form between 5 and 25 degrees latitude. 3. Lack of significant wind shear between upper and lower levels: Updrafts need to extend to the upper troposphere for a typhoon to gain strength. If they encounter strong upper-level winds like the westerlies, their power is disrupted. - Misconception about Typhoons: Typhoons are so powerful they can break through anything. No. They observe the existing air masses and move around their edges. The reason why typhoons this year didn't come to Korea and all went to China is that the North Pacific air mass developed to cover Japan and Korea, and even reached the Shandong Peninsula in China. With two strong air masses, like the double heat dome, blocking the way, there was no space for them to push through.