What is a tropical cyclone?

A tropical cyclone is specifically defined as a storm system that develops over tropical oceans. These systems are characterized by warm ocean temperatures that provide the necessary heat and moisture to fuel the cyclone. As the storm gains energy from the warm waters and atmospheric conditions, it can intensify into a significant weather event, often leading to strong winds, heavy rainfall, and severe weather impacts.

The key factor that distinguishes tropical cyclones from other types of cyclones, such as polar cyclones or extratropical cyclones, is their origin over tropical waters. Understanding this distinction is crucial for meteorological study and forecasting, as the environmental conditions in tropical regions (such as warm sea surface temperatures and abundant moisture) are essential for their formation and development.