Question 766Navigation General

The correct answer is D) of negligible Coriolis force. Tropical cyclones require the Coriolis effect to form and develop. The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects, such as air masses, due to the rotation of the Earth. Near the equator, the Coriolis effect is negligible, as the rotation of the Earth is minimal at those latitudes. Without a sufficient Coriolis force, the air masses cannot develop the necessary rotation and spin to form a tropical cyclone. Therefore, tropical cyclones do not form within 5° of the equator. The other options are incorrect because they do not directly address the role of the Coriolis force in tropical cyclone formation. While factors like humidity and temperature can influence cyclone development, the lack of Coriolis force is the primary reason tropical cyclones do not form near the equator.