Why do east Pacific cyclones/hurricanes die out?

Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region, are among the most destructive natural disasters that can occur. In the eastern Pacific region, which includes the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States, tropical cyclones are common during the hurricane season, which runs from May to November. However, not all tropical cyclones are created equal, and some storms fizzle out before they can cause significant damage. In this article, we will explore the reasons why some cyclones/hurricanes in the eastern Pacific die out.

Wind Shear

One of the main reasons why East Pacific cyclones/hurricanes die out is wind shear. Wind shear is the change in wind speed and/or direction with height in the atmosphere. In a tropical cyclone, the strongest winds are near the surface, while the upper levels of the storm are relatively calm. When strong wind shear is present, it can tilt the storm and disrupt the vertical orientation of the center of the storm and the surrounding thunderstorms. This can weaken the storm and cause it to dissipate.
Wind shear can come from a number of sources. One common source is the jet stream, a fast-moving, narrow band of air in the upper atmosphere. When the jet stream is near the tropical cyclone, it can create strong wind shear that can weaken or even destroy the storm. Another source of wind shear is the presence of nearby weather systems, such as frontal boundaries or other tropical cyclones. These systems can create competing areas of high and low pressure that can disrupt the flow of air into and out of the tropical cyclone.

Sea Surface Temperature

Another important factor in the life cycle of a tropical cyclone is the sea surface temperature. Tropical cyclones require warm ocean water to fuel their development and intensification. In the eastern Pacific, the ocean temperature is generally warm enough to support tropical cyclones throughout the hurricane season. However, if a tropical cyclone moves over cooler water, it may lose its energy source and weaken or dissipate.

Sea surface temperature can also affect the intensity of a tropical cyclone. Warmer water can provide more energy to the storm, allowing it to intensify quickly. Conversely, cooler water can limit the storm’s ability to intensify, even if other conditions are favorable. In some cases, a tropical cyclone can weaken as it approaches land, where the water temperature is often cooler than over the open ocean.

Dry air and dust

Dry air and dust can also play a role in a tropical cyclone’s demise. When a tropical cyclone passes over an area of dry air or dust, it can disrupt the storm’s circulation and cause it to weaken. Dry air can also inhibit the development of thunderstorms, which are the primary source of energy for a tropical cyclone. Dust can have a similar effect by limiting the amount of sunlight that reaches the ocean surface, which in turn can reduce the amount of heat energy available to the storm.

In the eastern Pacific, dry air and dust are often associated with the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), a layer of dry, dusty air that originates over the Sahara Desert in Africa and can travel across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. When a tropical cyclone encounters the SAL, it can weaken or dissipate due to the dry air and dust.

Interaction with land

Finally, a tropical cyclone’s interaction with land can also play a role in the storm’s demise. As a tropical cyclone approaches land, it can be disrupted by the frictional effects of the land surface. This

FAQs

What is wind shear?

Wind shear is the change in wind speed and/or direction with height in the atmosphere. In a tropical cyclone, strong wind shear can tilt the storm and disrupt the vertical alignment of the storm’s center and the surrounding thunderstorms, weakening or even destroying the storm.

How does sea surface temperature affect the life cycle of a tropical cyclone?

Tropical cyclones require warm ocean water to fuel their development and intensification. If a tropical cyclone moves over cooler water, it can lose its source of energy and weaken or dissipate. Warmer water can provide more energy to the storm, allowing it to intensify quickly.

What is the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), and how does it affect East Pacific cyclones/hurricanes?

The Saharan Air Layer is a layer of dry, dusty air that originates over the Sahara Desert in Africa and can travel across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Dry air and dust can disrupt the storm’s circulation and cause it to weaken. When a tropical cyclone encounters the SAL, it can weaken or dissipate due to the dry air and dust.

How does dry air and dust affect the development of a tropical cyclone?

Dry air and dust can inhibit the development of thunderstorms, which are the primary source of energy fora tropical cyclone. When a tropical cyclone moves over an area of dry air or dust, it can disrupt the storm’s circulation and cause it to weaken or even dissipate.

Why does the interaction with land play a role in the demise of a tropical cyclone?

When a tropical cyclone approaches land, it can be disrupted by the frictional effects of the land surface. This can cause the storm to weaken or even dissipate. Additionally, if a tropical cyclone moves over mountainous terrain, it can be further disrupted by the terrain-induced wind shear and other effects.

What is storm surge, and how can the shape of the coastline affect its impact?

Storm surge