Tropical cyclones ‘supercharged’ by marine heatwaves causing 60 pc more large-scale disasters: Study

NEW DELHI: april 16  Marine heatwaves, or prolonged periods of warm ocean temperatures, can “supercharge” tropical cyclones as part of its rapid intensification before landfall, which can lead to 60 per cent more billion-dollar disasters compared to cyclones free from the influence of marine heatwaves, a study has found.

Damages can come from higher maximum wind speeds, precipitation rates, and storm surges.

Researchers, including those from The University of Alabama, US, found that more tropical cyclones are undergoing a ‘rapid intensification’ process whereby wind speed increases by 30 knots or about 55 kilometres per hour, carrying potentially devastating consequences for humans and infrastructure upon landfall.