Australia receives an average of 13 cyclones a year, while the US might see up to 20. Every one of these destructive storms varies in their life cycles, intensity, movement, size and impacts such as winds, storm surges and flooding. It can be hard to see the differences between them from the ground, but when viewed from a high vantage point, such as the International Space Station, their unique characteristics are revealed. You will find more images on our Facebook page.
Losing shape
Typhoon Conson, which was photographed in the South China Sea on July 13, 2010, was battered by vertical wind shear, causing it to lose the typical rounded shape. It caused extensive damage in the Philippines and eventually made landfall in Vietnam. Image: NASA Goddard/MODIS Rapid Response Team
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