Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan

- Typhoon Shanshan, a tropical cyclone, has recently impacted Japan, causing numerous disruptions due to heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts.

- The typhoon led to numerous airline and rail service cancellations, signifying major disruptions in the country's transportation systems.

 

Understanding Typhoons: A Type of Tropical Cyclone

- Typhoons are a form of tropical cyclone; they are also referred to as hurricanes or cyclones based on the geographical location where they form.

- These natural phenomena involve rapid inward air circulation centred around a low-pressure area.

- In the Northern Hemisphere, this air circulation occurs in an anticlockwise direction, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it happens clockwise.

- A typical characteristic of cyclones includes violent storms and severe weather conditions, which pose significant threats to life and property.

 

The Global Cyclone Naming System

- The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is the global body responsible for determining the names for tropical cyclones, with the procedures varying regionally.

- Naming cyclones involves an alphabetical sequence, alternately using male and female names, or following the alphabetical order of countries, depending on the regional practices.

- The naming process is performed by regional tropical cyclone bodies, which utilise pre-designated lists of names proposed by WMO Members' National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.

- This organised naming system helps in quickly identifying storms during warning and reporting processes, greatly aiding in communication and preparation efforts.