Active Indian Ocean

Provided by: Hank Brandli
Summary authors & editors: Hank Brandli; Jim Foster

The eastern US and Europe weren't the only areas hit hard by storms in recent weeks. The Indian Ocean was beset by a parade of nasty tropical cyclones, as shown above on this infrared image taken on February 12. February is usually an active period in the Southern Hemisphere for the formation of cyclones - analogous to hurricane formation during August in the Northern Hemisphere. The pictured storms above are, from west to east, Gerry (near the island of Madagascar, Hape, Isha, and Fiona (nearest to Australia).

Related Links:

• National Hurricane Center
• Earth Observatory
• Indian Ocean Climatology