Storm Formation (IMAGE)
Caption
The cloud greenhouse effect accelerates tropical cyclone development. Schematic depiction of how the trapping of infrared radiation by deep convective clouds leads to locally increased warming (red shading), and how this warming promotes the thermally direct transverse circulation (thin arrows) of the tropical cyclone. (A) An incipient storm, characterized by a weak, broad primary circulation. (B) An intensifying hurricane characterized by a well-defined eye and a strong primary circulation.
Credit
James H. Ruppert Jr. / Penn State
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non commercial use only
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