Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Context: Introduce the concept of sea surface temperature rise (SST) as a significant environmental issue.
• Thesis Statement: Outline how SST rise impacts the formation and intensity of tropical cyclones.

What is Sea Surface Temperature Rise?

1. Definition of SST Rise

• Fact: SST rise refers to the increase in ocean surface water temperatures, primarily due to anthropogenic climate change.
• Example: Over the last four decades, the average SST has increased by about 0.6°C (Source: Climate studies).

2. Causes of SST Rise

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Increased greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to higher SST.
• Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Oceans absorb about 30% of human-emitted CO₂, affecting ocean chemistry and increasing surface temperatures (Source: Climate reports).
• Albedo Effect: Melting polar ice reduces the Earth’s reflective surface, leading to further warming (Source: Environmental studies).
• Global Temperature Trends: SST has risen by approximately 1°C since 1880, in line with global atmospheric temperatures (Source: NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies).
• Altered Ocean Currents: Disruption in ocean currents affects heat distribution (Source: Oceanographic studies).

How Does SST Rise Affect Tropical Cyclone Formation?

1. Increased Intensity

• Fact: Higher SST provides more energy to developing tropical cyclones, intensifying their strength.
• Example: Cyclone Amphan (2020) reached super-cyclone status due to warm waters in the Bay of Bengal (Source: Meteorological analyses).

2. More Frequent and Severe Storms

• Fact: Rising SSTs lead to an increase in the number of severe tropical cyclones.
• Example: The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season had 30 named storms, attributed to higher-than-average SSTs (Source: National Hurricane Center).

3. Amplified Rainfall

• Fact: Warmer ocean surfaces increase atmospheric moisture, leading to heavier rainfall during cyclones.
• Impact: This can cause devastating floods (Source: Climate impact assessments).

4. Extended Duration

• Fact: Cyclones fueled by higher SSTs tend to last longer and travel further inland.
• Example: Cyclone Idai (2019) maintained intensity well after landfall due to warm waters (Source: Meteorological reports).

5. Shifts in Cyclone Tracks

• Fact: SST rise can alter cyclone tracks, moving them toward regions that typically experience fewer storms.
• Example: Hurricane Ophelia (2017) reached Ireland, a rare occurrence linked to anomalous SSTs (Source: Climate studies).

6. Impact on Vulnerable Regions

• Fact: Warmer waters increase cyclone risks for countries bordering the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
• Example: The Philippines and Caribbean face heightened risks of severe storms (Source: Regional climate assessments).

Conclusion

• Summary: Recap the definition of SST rise and its effects on tropical cyclone formation.
• Significance: Emphasize the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate these impacts.

This roadmap ensures a clear and organized response, incorporating relevant facts and sources for each point in the answer.