Physical Structure
See also: Eye (cyclone)All tropical cyclones are areas of low pressure in the Earth's atmosphere. The pressures recorded at the centers of tropical cyclones are among the lowest that occur on Earth's surface at sea level. Tropical cyclones are characterized and driven by the release of large amounts of latent heat of condensation, which occurs when moist air is carried upwards and its water vapor condenses. This heat is distributed vertically around the center of the storm. Thus, at any given altitude (except close to the surface, where water temperature dictates air temperature) the environment inside the cyclone is warmer than its outer surroundings.
| Size descriptions of tropical cyclones | |
|---|---|
| ROCI | Type |
| Less than 2 degrees latitude | Very small/midget |
| 2 to 3 degrees of latitude | Small |
| 3 to 6 degrees of latitude | Medium/Average |
| 6 to 8 degrees of latitude | Large |
| Over 8 degrees of latitude | Very large |
Read more about this topic: Tropical Meteorology
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