Science Common Sense

1576 - What is the main factor guiding the path of typhoons invading Taiwan and how do they affect the wind and rain in different parts of the island?

Imagine Taiwan as an island in the Pacific Ocean with a mountain range running down its center. The main factor guiding the path of typhoons invading Taiwan is the Central Mountain Range.

When a typhoon approaches Taiwan, it's like a big, spinning storm. As it hits the island, the mountain range forces the typhoon to change direction. The storm can go one of two ways: around the mountain or up and over it.

This is what affects the wind and rain in different parts of the island:

• The side the typhoon hits first (usually the east coast): This area gets the strongest winds and heaviest rain. The storm is at its strongest when it makes landfall.
• The other side of the mountain (usually the west coast): This area gets less wind and less rain, as the storm is forced to go up and over the mountain. The storm loses some of its energy as it climbs.
• The northern and southern tips of Taiwan: These areas can also be affected by the typhoon, depending on its path. They might get strong winds and rain, but not as much as the east coast.

So, the Central Mountain Range plays a big role in shaping the path of typhoons and how they affect different parts of Taiwan.