Tropical cyclogenesis is the development and strengthening of a tropical cyclone in the atmosphere.[1] The mechanisms through which tropical cyclogenesis occur are distinctly different from those through which temperatecyclogenesis occurs. Tropical cyclogenesis involves the development of a warm-core cyclone, due to significant convection in a favorable atmospheric environment.[2]
Tropical cyclones tend to develop during the summer, but have been noted in nearly every month in most basins. Climate cycles such as ENSO and the Madden–Julian oscillation modulate the timing and frequency of tropical cyclone development.[4][5] The maximum potential intensity is a limit on tropical cyclone intensity which is strongly related to the water temperatures along its path.[6]
An average of 86 tropical cyclones of tropical storm intensity form annually worldwide. Of those, 47 reach strengths higher than 119 km/h (74 mph), and 20 become intense tropical cyclones (at least Category 3 intensity on the Saffir–Simpson scale).[7]
^"Definition for Cyclogenesis". Arctic Climatology and Meteorology. National Snow and Ice Data Center. Archived from the original on August 30, 2006. Retrieved October 20, 2006.