What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

Sea surface temperature rise is the increase in the temperature of the upper ocean, driven increasingly by anthropogenic warming and natural variability.

Effect on tropical cyclones

• Warm water, generally around 26.5°C or above through sufficient depth, supplies latent heat through evaporation.
• Moist, unstable air rises and condenses; released latent heat lowers central pressure and strengthens circulation.
• Deeper warm layers provide greater ocean heat content, allowing intensification and reducing cooling from upwelling.
• Warmer oceans can increase rapid intensification, rainfall intensity and the destructive potential of storms.

Context

Formation still requires Coriolis force, low vertical wind shear and a pre-existing disturbance. Dry air, land interaction and high wind shear can weaken a cyclone; warming may not increase global frequency uniformly.

Keywords: latent heat, evaporation, ocean heat content, rapid intensification, wind shear.