orkaan

An orkkaan is the Dutch term for a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 119 kilometers per hour (74 miles per hour). The word corresponds to what in international usage is called a hurricane in the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific basins; in other regions such as the western North Pacific the same type of storm is typically called a typhoon, and in the Indian Ocean a cyclone. Orkanen form over warm tropical oceans and develop from tropical disturbances into tropical depressions, tropical storms, and eventually hurricanes.

Formation and structure: Orkanen require warm sea-surface temperatures (above about 26.5 C), abundant moisture, and low vertical wind shear. They derive most of their energy from the release of latent heat as moist air rises and condenses. Typical hurricane structure includes a warm central eye, a surrounding eyewall with the strongest winds, and spiral rainbands extending outward.

Paths and impacts: Once formed, orkkaan move with large-scale atmospheric steering currents and can follow various tracks, sometimes making landfall or turning away from land. They can cause significant wind damage, storm surge along coastlines, heavy rainfall, and flooding. The severity of impacts depends on intensity, speed, size, and the geography of landmasses encountered.

Monitoring and response: Global meteorological agencies monitor orkanen using satellites, weather radars, and aircraft reconnaissance, and issue forecasts, warnings, and preparedness guidance. In the Netherlands and elsewhere, tropical cyclone information is coordinated with international programs under the World Meteorological Organization. Names of recurring storms are rotated, and particularly destructive storms may have their names retired from the rotating lists.