Why is Typhoon Haiyan so strong?

Typhoon Haiyan is entering the South China Sea as the strongest storm in many years, threatening to cause great damage. This is also the strongest storm on our planet this year.

Tyan Maue, a meteorologist at the Weatherbell Analytics Meteorological Consulting Company, wrote on Twitter that Haiyan has the strongest winds since the Super Typhoon Tip appeared in 1979, causing heavy losses in Guam and Japan.

Haiyan superhuman mind - Photo: Reuters

LiveScience quoted tropical weather expert Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami in the US as saying Hai Yen was too strong because it met all the conditions.

Firstly , according to McNoldy, it forms on the open ocean, there is no large mainland to prevent it from forming a symmetrical spiral, which helps a whirlwind wind form and add steam.

Secondly , the ocean temperature is surprisingly warm, above 30 degrees C. More importantly, warm water spreads deep into the ocean, which means that the upwelling phenomenon caused by the wind does not stir up. Cold water, which can help weaken the swirling wind power. Tropical storms are basically giant thermal machines, powered by relaying heat from the ocean to the upper atmosphere.

Third , there was little wind shear at this time, according to McNoldy. Wind shear helps break down a storm that is forming and prevents the storm from intensifying.