All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Consider the following conditions favourable for the formation and intensification of Tropical Storms :
1. Presence of the Coriolis force
2. Upper divergence above the sea level system
3. High variations in the vertical wind speed
Which of the conditions given above is/are correct?

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2025 GAT Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
1 and 2

Understanding Tropical Storm Formation Conditions

Tropical storms, like hurricanes and typhoons, require specific atmospheric conditions to form and strengthen. Let's analyze the conditions provided:

Analyzing Favourable Conditions for Tropical Storms

  • Condition 1: Presence of the Coriolis Force

    The Coriolis force is essential for initiating the rotation of air around the low-pressure center characteristic of a tropical storm. This force, caused by the Earth's rotation, deflects moving air (to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere). Without this force, air would flow directly into the low-pressure center, and a organized, rotating storm system would not develop. It's important to note that the Coriolis force is very weak at the equator, which is why tropical storms typically form at least a few degrees latitude away from it.

    Therefore, the presence of the Coriolis force is a necessary condition.

  • Condition 2: Upper Divergence Above the Sea Level System

    Upper divergence refers to the outward spreading of air in the upper levels of the atmosphere above the developing storm. As warm, moist air rises within the storm's core (convection), it reaches the upper atmosphere. For the storm to intensify, this rising air needs to be removed efficiently. Upper divergence provides this outflow mechanism. It helps to ventilate the storm, maintaining the low pressure at the surface and allowing more air to flow in and rise, further fueling the storm's development.

    Hence, upper divergence is a favorable condition.

  • Condition 3: High Variations in Vertical Wind Speed

    Variations in vertical wind speed are often referred to as vertical wind shear. High vertical wind shear means that the wind speed and/or direction changes significantly with height. Strong vertical wind shear is detrimental to the formation and intensification of tropical storms. It can tilt the storm's vertical structure, disrupt the organized convection, and inhibit the development of a strong low-level circulation. Meteorologists prefer conditions with low vertical wind shear for tropical storm development.

    Consequently, high variations in vertical wind speed (strong shear) are unfavorable.

Conclusion on Favourable Conditions

Based on the analysis, the conditions that are favorable for the formation and intensification of tropical storms are:

  • The presence of the Coriolis force (Condition 1).
  • Upper divergence above the sea level system (Condition 2).

Condition 3, high variations in vertical wind speed (strong shear), is unfavorable.

Therefore, the correct conditions are 1 and 2.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Consider the following statements regarding extratropical cyclones :
    I. They usually develop in the mid and high latitudes.
    II. They affect a much larger area as compared to tropical cyclone.
    III. They move from east to west.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
  2. Which of the following are the factors that cause variation in the amount of insolation on the Earth?
    1. Rotation of the earth on its axis
    2. Length of the day
    3. Distribution of land and water on the earth
    Select the answer using the code given below:
  3. Which of the following is/are the applied forces in mechanical weathering process?

    1. Gravitational force

    2. Expansion force

    3. Force due to water pressure

  4. Which one of the following latitudes will experience a minimum angle of the Sun’s rays when it is Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?

  5. Which of the following is/are cold ocean current/currents?

    1. Alaska Current

    2. North Atlantic Drift

    3. West Wind Drift

  6. Which of the following statements with reference to Coriolis force is/are correct?

    1. Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the pressure gradient force

    2. At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero and the wind blows perpendicular to the isobars

  7. Condensation of water vapour into water is influenced by which of the following factor/factors?

    1. Volume of air

    2. Humidity

    3. Temperature


Important Questions from Climatology

  1. In the context of climate, what is the full form of ITCZ?

  2. With reference to the climatic conditions of the Prairies, which of the following statements is correct?

  3. Land and sea breeze are caused due to _____________

  4. Which island emerged in the Bay of Bengal in the after math of the Bhola cyclone in 1970?

  5. In India, during October-November, with the apparent movement of the sun towards the south, the ______ over the northern plains becomes weaker.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
NDA img
Defence
NDA 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Pattern)
501 Tests 1 Tests Free
664 Attempts
4.6(121)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App