Cyclonic track analysis using GIS over the Bay of Bengal 1

Abstract: This paper examines the frequency, historical records, and severe cyclonic track of cyclones over the Bay of Bengal for the last 100 years. Bangladesh is located in the path of tropical cyclones originating from the Bay of Bengal. The unique combination of a large astronomical tide, a funneling coastal configuration, low flat terrain and frequent severe tropical storms occasionally produce storm surges that have killed thousands of people. This paper is an attempt to understand the behavior of this weather phenomenon; condition of formation of tropical cyclone, formation area in the Bay of Bengal, seasons of formation, landfall area, track preparation, etc. GIS method has been used to find out the formation area and tracks of Tropical Cyclones over the Bay of Bengal. The frequency of formation of depression and deep depression, Cyclonic Storms and Severe Cyclonic Storms during a particular month and year during the period of 1908- 2008 shows that most of these are formed in the Bay of Bengal during June to November with the highest frequency in August followed by September. It is predicted that the study will help understanding the magnitude of the problems to the concern authorities to reduce cyclonic damages in Bangladesh