Glossary

Deutsch: Taifun / Español: tifón / Português: tufão / Français: typhon / Italiano: tifone

Typhoon in the maritime context refers to a powerful tropical cyclone that occurs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, particularly affecting areas such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific islands. Typhoons are characterised by strong winds, heavy rain, and large waves, posing significant threats to ships, coastal areas, and maritime operations. They are equivalent to hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific and cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Description

A typhoon is a severe weather system that forms over warm ocean waters, typically between May and November, when sea surface temperatures are high enough to fuel the storm. Typhoons develop from tropical depressions and can intensify rapidly as they gather energy from the ocean. Key characteristics of typhoons include:

• Strong Winds: Typhoons can produce sustained winds of over 74 miles per hour (119 km/h) and sometimes exceed 150 miles per hour (241 km/h) in the most severe cases. These winds are capable of causing extensive damage to ships, coastal structures, and infrastructure.

• Heavy Rainfall: Typhoons bring torrential rains that can lead to flash flooding, landslides, and significant disruptions to both maritime and onshore activities.

• High Waves and Storm Surges: The powerful winds of a typhoon generate large waves and storm surges, which can flood coastal areas and endanger vessels at sea or in ports. Waves associated with typhoons can reach heights of over 10 metres (33 feet), creating hazardous conditions for navigation.

• Low Pressure: At the centre of a typhoon lies the eye, an area of relatively calm weather surrounded by the eyewall, where the most intense winds and rain occur. The low atmospheric pressure within the typhoon's eye can cause sea levels to rise, contributing to storm surges.

Typhoons pose significant risks to maritime operations, including the danger of capsizing ships, causing structural damage, and disrupting shipping routes. Mariners must exercise extreme caution when navigating near typhoon-prone regions and rely on accurate weather forecasting, storm tracking, and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impact.

Application Areas

1. Shipping and Navigation: Typhoons can severely disrupt shipping routes, delay voyages, and pose a direct threat to the safety of vessels. Ships must often alter their courses to avoid the storm's path or seek safe harbour.

2. Port Operations: Ports in typhoon-prone areas may close or halt operations in anticipation of a typhoon, securing vessels, cargo, and infrastructure to minimise damage from high winds and storm surges.

3. Offshore Industry: Offshore platforms, such as oil rigs and wind farms, are at risk during typhoons. These structures must be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, and personnel are often evacuated as a precaution.

4. Coastal Communities and Tourism: Marinas, coastal resorts, and fishing communities must prepare for the impact of typhoons, including securing boats, fortifying structures, and implementing evacuation plans.

5. Naval Operations: Military vessels and operations must also contend with typhoons, requiring careful planning, route adjustments, and sometimes suspending missions to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

Well-Known Examples

• Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): One of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded, Haiyan struck the Philippines in 2013, causing catastrophic damage with wind speeds exceeding 195 miles per hour (315 km/h) and significant loss of life.

• Typhoon Jebi (2018): Affected Japan with severe winds and rain, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, including Kansai International Airport, and disrupting shipping and aviation.

• Typhoon Hato (2017): Hit Macau and Hong Kong, leading to significant flooding, high winds, and disruption of port and airport operations.

• Typhoon Mangkhut (2018): A powerful storm that impacted the Philippines, Hong Kong, and southern China, causing extensive damage to coastal areas and maritime activities.

Treatment and Risks

Navigating and managing maritime operations during typhoons involve significant risks and require careful planning:

• Navigation Risks: Ships at sea face the danger of capsizing, hull breaches, and loss of cargo due to the intense waves and winds. Avoidance strategies, such as rerouting to avoid the storm's path, are critical.

• Port and Coastal Risks: Ports must secure vessels, cranes, and other equipment, and take measures to protect infrastructure from storm surges and high winds. Coastal erosion and flooding are common consequences of typhoons.

• Emergency Preparedness: Ships, ports, and coastal facilities must have emergency plans in place, including evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and coordination with weather services for accurate storm tracking.

• Economic Impact: Typhoons can cause significant economic losses due to damaged vessels, delayed shipments, and destroyed infrastructure, affecting the global supply chain.

• Environmental Risks: Typhoons can lead to environmental hazards, such as oil spills from damaged ships or platforms, and the destruction of marine habitats due to coastal erosion and pollution.

Similar Terms

• Hurricane: A tropical cyclone occurring in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, similar in nature to a typhoon but named differently based on location.

• Cyclone: A general term for a tropical storm in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, equivalent to a typhoon or hurricane.

• Tropical Storm: A less intense version of a typhoon or hurricane, with wind speeds ranging from 39 to 73 miles per hour (63 to 118 km/h).

Weblinks

• environment-database.eu: 'Typhoon' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Summary

A typhoon is a powerful tropical cyclone occurring in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, characterised by strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves. It poses significant challenges to maritime operations, including shipping, port activities, and offshore industries. Proper planning, accurate weather forecasting, and robust emergency procedures are essential for mitigating the risks associated with typhoons and ensuring the safety of vessels, personnel, and coastal communities.

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