Typhoons are tropical cyclones found only in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Like hurricanes, they are low-pressure systems with surface convection wind currents, which are cyclonic. Typhoon and hurricane are regional terms for the same type of weather system. According to the Atlantic Oceanographic Meteorological Laboratory, tropical cyclone winds form a vortex that have measured up to 253 miles per hour. Winds from Typhoon Nancy on September 12, 1961, was recorded at 213 miles per hour. You can create your own 3D model of a typhoon with two plastic soda bottles and water to learn more about them.
- 2-liter plastic soda bottles, 2
- Water
- 2 ounces colored lamp oil
- Duct tape
Instead of adding lamp oil, you can use plain water or water with food coloring.
Science stores sell typhoon tubes to connect the two soda bottles instead of using duct tape.
Ask your students to explain what they see. A convection current experiment relates to this project.
Securely fasten the two bottles or you will have liquid all over the place.
Clean your soda bottles and remove the labels. Fill one soda bottle with water and 2 oz. of colored lamp oil. Stand the bottle upright on a table.
Cut a piece of duct tape, approximately 4 inches long. Place the empty soda bottle upside down and on top of the one filled with water and oil, so that the two openings meet. Wrap the duct tape around the two soda bottle openings to connect them securely.
Turn the bottles over, so that the one with water and oil is on top and upside down. Sharply turn that bottle in a twisting motion so that the liquid inside spirals. Place the bottles on a table, and you should see a vortex of colored liquid inside the top bottle as it drains into the empty bottle.
Things You'll Need
Tips
Warnings
References
Resources
Tips
- Instead of adding lamp oil, you can use plain water or water with food coloring.
- Science stores sell typhoon tubes to connect the two soda bottles instead of using duct tape.
- Ask your students to explain what they see. A convection current experiment relates to this project.
Warnings
- Securely fasten the two bottles or you will have liquid all over the place.
About the Author
Charong Chow has been writing professionally since 1995. Her work has appeared in magazines such as "Zing" and "Ocean Drive." Chow graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. She also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts.