cyclones

While Queensland isn't a stranger to cyclones – it's the most disaster-prone state in Australia – it's rare they come so far south.

But Miocene-style hydrological or water cycles favor high altitude wind events, like cyclones and hurricanes, that transport heat and moisture evaporating from the tropics to higher latitudes, or California’s intense seasonal rainstorms.

Located in the tropics, north Queensland is vulnerable to destructive cyclones, storms, and flooding.

From July to October, rivers and ponds swell due to heavy rains, cyclones lash the region, and rampaging waters swallow villages.

Tropical cyclones are characterised by very high wind speeds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, which are short-term rises to sea-levels.