What sea temperature is generally required for tropical revolving storms to form?

Study for the Air New Zealand Tech Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your assessment!

Tropical revolving storms, also known as tropical cyclones or hurricanes, typically require a minimum sea surface temperature of around 26.5°C (approximately 80°F) to form and sustain themselves. However, the ideal temperature where these storms can intensify and thrive often hovers around 27°C.

At this temperature, the ocean water provides sufficient heat and moisture to the atmosphere. This energy is crucial for the development of convection currents, which are essential components of storm formation. Higher temperatures can further amplify storm intensity, but they are not strictly necessary for the initial formation of the storm system.

Understanding the importance of sea surface temperature in storm development helps in predicting and studying tropical cyclones, which are significant factors in meteorological phenomena and climate patterns.

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