Hypercane

A hypercane is a theoretical class of hurricane that could form if ocean temperatures reached around 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit)—15° higher than the warmest ocean temperature—which could in turn be caused by an asteroid impact, a large volcanic eruption, or extensive global warming. There is speculation that dinosaurs might have been killed off by a series of hypercanes, resulting from an asteroid crashing into Earth. The term was originally coined by atmospheric scientist Kerry Emanuel in 1996, at MIT.

Hypercanes would have wind speeds of over 130 m/s, but would also have a central pressure of less than 700 hectopascals, giving them an enormous lifespan.

The anime Tactical Roar uses a fictional hypercane in the Pacific Ocean as a pretext to showcase naval battles, which are the series' focus.

See also

• Tropical cyclone
• Global warming