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PositionZone1 Encounter the Sub-Tropical Climate The Blessings of aTyphoon

The structure of a typhoon, which develops due to interaction between the tropical atmosphere and the ocean, as well as the connection between the Okinawan lifestyle and typhoons are introduced in this booth.

The Blessings of aTyphoonTyphoons have had a tremendous influence on our lifestyle. The vortex of a typhoon is clearly illustrated by a cross-sectional model of a whirling typhoon similar to images captured by the weather satellite Himawari. Okinawa's distinctive subtropical environment, lifestyle and culture are also introduced here.



Typhoon "Jelawat," 2000
Typhoon "Jelawat," 2000
This is an enlarged image of Typhoon "Jelawat," 2000 as observed by the weather satellite Himawari. Okinawa is visible in the eye of the typhoon.

Cross-section of a typhoonCross-section of a typhoon
The vortex of a typhoon is shown in a cross-sectional model. Please note the structure of the wall around the eye of the typhoon and the movement of air rising spirally within the whirling mass.

Cross-section of Typhoon "Jelawat," 2000Cross-section of Typhoon "Jelawat," 2000
This is a diagram of a heavy rain zone observed by the Precipitation Radar (PR) of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Visible is a red area indicating the rainy zone centered around the eye of the typhoon.

Okinawan culture and vegetation nurtured by a subtropical climate img
Okinawan culture and vegetation nurtured by a subtropical climate
Red roofing tiles, a direct result of the Okinawan wisdom of being prepared for a typhoon, as well as coral reefs and mangroves sustained by the abundant water brought by typhoons are illustrated here. The rich culture of Okinawa and its strong interrelationship with the island's subtropical climate are introduced in wall panels.

Virtual Museum INDEXAtmospheric and Ocean Crossroads:Okinawa



Photograph / ©National Institute of Information and Communications Technology -Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency - Japan Meteorological Agency - NASA

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