Describe the role of sea-surface temperature and latent heat in sustaining cyclones. Examine how climate change is altering cyclone characteristics in the North Indian Ocean.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone.
Q1. Describe the role of sea-surface temperature and latent heat in sustaining cyclones. Examine how climate change is altering cyclone characteristics in the North Indian Ocean. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question: The recent Cyclone Montha and rising ocean temperatures highlight how sea-surface temperature and latent heat drive cyclone intensity, and how climate change is altering cyclone behaviour in the North Indian. Key Demand of the question: Explain the scientific mechanism linking sea-surface temperature and latent heat to cyclone sustenance, and analyse with evidence how climate change is changing their frequency, track, and intensity in the North Indian Ocean. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Begin with a concise definition of tropical cyclones and mention their thermodynamic dependence on warm oceans. Body: Describe the role of sea-surface temperature and latent heat in cyclone formation and sustenance. Examine how climate change is modifying cyclone characteristics such as intensity, frequency, and landfall pattern in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Conclusion: End by emphasising the emerging pattern of “fewer but more intense” cyclones and the need for scientific monitoring and coastal resilience strategies.
Why the question: The recent Cyclone Montha and rising ocean temperatures highlight how sea-surface temperature and latent heat drive cyclone intensity, and how climate change is altering cyclone behaviour in the North Indian.
Key Demand of the question: Explain the scientific mechanism linking sea-surface temperature and latent heat to cyclone sustenance, and analyse with evidence how climate change is changing their frequency, track, and intensity in the North Indian Ocean.
Structure of the Answer: Introduction:
Begin with a concise definition of tropical cyclones and mention their thermodynamic dependence on warm oceans. Body:
• Describe the role of sea-surface temperature and latent heat in cyclone formation and sustenance.
• Examine how climate change is modifying cyclone characteristics such as intensity, frequency, and landfall pattern in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Conclusion:
End by emphasising the emerging pattern of “fewer but more intense” cyclones and the need for scientific monitoring and coastal resilience strategies.