Why do tropical storms form between about 5° and 30° north and south of the equator?

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Question

Why do tropical storms form between about 5° and 30° north and south of the equator?

Accepted Answer

The sea is warm enough and the Coriolis effect is strong enough to make the storm spin — Award 1 mark. Close to the equator the Coriolis effect is too weak to start the spin, and beyond about 30° the sea is too cold. The equator is not cold, these latitudes do have winds, and ocean depth is not the reason.

Answer

The sea is warm enough and the Coriolis effect is strong enough to make the storm spin

Answer

These latitudes have no wind, so clouds can build up undisturbed

Answer

The air at the equator is too cold for clouds to form

Answer

The ocean is shallower there, so it heats up faster than elsewhere

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