geographical process
Tropical cyclones form over warm bodies of water above 26.5˚ C as low pressure systems and gradually build up intensity. The wind circulates clockwise and produce gale force winds. These winds can extend hundreds of kilometers per hour. The Cyclones can continue for many day and follow many paths. They usually break up over land and or cooler oceans. The eye or center of a cyclone is an area that is very calm and has light winds. The diameter of the eye is usually approximately 40 km but can range from 10 to 100km. The eye is surrounded by a dense ring of cloud about 16 kilometres high and is known as the eye wall which marks the belt of the stongest winds and heviest rainfall. A tropical Cyclone can travel over both land and water. Once it reaches cooler places it looses its energy and turns into a Tropical Storm. A Tropical Storm still has the ability to cause destruction and travel inland.