Hurricanes rarely form or move within 5 degrees of the equator,

Hurricanes rarely form or move within 5 degrees of the equator, because

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Coriolis effect is weakest here

Coriolis effect is strongest here

it has low pressure

it has high temperature

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Hurricanes (tropical cyclones) require the Coriolis effect to initiate and maintain their rotation. The Coriolis effect is an apparent force caused by the Earth’s rotation, which deflects moving objects (like air and water) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is zero at the equator and increases with latitude. For a tropical cyclone to form and rotate, the Coriolis effect must be strong enough to start the cyclonic circulation. Within 5 degrees of the equator, the Coriolis effect is too weak, preventing the necessary sustained rotation from developing, even if other conditions (warm water, unstable atmosphere, moisture) are present.

Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) require the Coriolis effect for rotation, and this effect is weakest near the equator (within approximately 5 degrees latitude).

Other conditions necessary for tropical cyclone formation include warm sea surface temperatures (typically above 26.5°C), sufficient atmospheric moisture, low vertical wind shear, and a pre-existing disturbance or low-pressure area. However, even if these conditions are met, the lack of sufficient Coriolis force near the equator inhibits formation.

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