Cyclone And Its Types

Cyclones and anticyclones are two of the most important weather systems in the world. They have a huge impact on the global climate and can cause both destruction and relief from drought. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of these two weather systems, as well as their effects on the environment.

What is a Cyclone?

A cyclone is a huge air mass that revolves around a strong low-pressure centre. Cyclones are usually characterised by inward spiralling winds that rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The largest Low-pressure systems are extratropical cyclones and can be up to several thousand kilometres across. Cyclones typically form over large bodies of warm water and within areas of wind divergence in the upper atmosphere.

Types of Cyclones

From a geographical standpoint, Cyclones are divided into two primary categories:

• Extratropical cyclones
• Tropical cyclones

Extratropical Cyclones

As their name suggests, Extratropical cyclones form outside of the tropics. They are generally associated with areas of low pressure in the mid-latitudes and typically form along cold or warm fronts. Warm air rises rapidly as it reaches the low-pressure centre, while cooler air rushes in to take its place. This circulation of air around the low-pressure centre is what gives rise to the cyclonic wind pattern.

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones, on the other hand, form within the tropics near areas of high humidity and warm ocean water temperatures. The most well-known type of tropical cyclone is the hurricane, which forms in the Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific Ocean. Tropical cyclones typically form from a low-pressure area known as a tropical disturbance. As the warm, moist air rises, it condenses and forms thunderstorms. The thunderstorms begin to rotate around a central area of low pressure, and as the system moves over warm ocean water, it continues to grow in strength.

Characteristics of Cyclones

Cyclones are characterised by a low-pressure centre and a counterclockwise flow of air in the Northern Hemisphere (clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). The low-pressure centre is associated with a warm front, while the cyclonic wind pattern gives rise to a cold front. The cyclone’s rotational energy is derived from the release of latent heat as moist air rises and condenses. This process is known as latent heat transfer.

The cyclone’s rotational energy is also responsible for its characteristic spiral shape. The cyclone’s centre, or “eye,” is a region of calm weather associated with the descending air of the cyclone’s inner core. The eye is typically 20-40 kilometres in diameter and is surrounded by the cyclone’s rainbands. These bands are composed of thunderstorms that feed into the cyclone’s centre.

As the cyclone moves over land, it begins to weaken due to the loss of its source of warm, moist air. The cyclone also begins to experience friction from the land surface, which further slows its rotation. The cyclone’s wind field also begins to contract as the system weakens. Ultimately, the cyclone dissipates when its centre of low pressure can no longer be sustained.

What is an Anticyclone?

An anticyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong centre of high atmospheric pressure. Anticyclones are usually characterized by outward spiralling winds that rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The largest High-pressure systems are anticyclones and can be up to several thousand kilometres across.

Types of Anticyclones:

From a geographical standpoint, Anticyclones are divided into two primary categories:

• Extratropical anticyclones
• Tropical anticyclones

Extratropical Anticyclones:

As their name suggests, Extratropical anticyclones form outside of the tropics. They are generally associated with areas of high pressure in the mid-latitudes and typically form along cold or warm fronts. Warm air descends rapidly as it reaches the high-pressure centre, while cooler air rushes in to take its place. This circulation of air around the high-pressure centre is what gives rise to the anticyclonic wind pattern.

Tropical Anticyclones:

Tropical anticyclones, on the other hand, form within the tropics near areas of low humidity and warm ocean water temperatures. The most well-known type of tropical anticyclone is the subtropical high, which forms in the Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific Ocean. Tropical anticyclones typically form from a high-pressure area known as a subtropical ridge. As the warm, moist air rises, it condenses and forms thunderstorms. The thunderstorms begin to rotate around a central area of high pressure, and as the system moves over warm ocean water, it continues to grow in strength.

Characteristics of Anticyclones

Anticyclones are large-scale atmospheric circulations that rotate in the opposite direction of cyclones. The largest anticyclone on Earth is the Siberian High. Anticyclones typically have high pressure at their centre and rotate clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere. They often form over continents and are associated with warm, dry air.

Conclusion

The two main types of atmospheric pressure systems are cyclones and anticyclones. Cyclones are created when airflow is inward in a counter-clockwise direction around a low-pressure centre. Anticyclones form when the airflow moves clockwise around a high-pressure centre. Each type has unique characteristics that can be observed through its associated weather patterns. For students studying meteorology, it is important to understand the differences between these two types of atmospheric pressure systems to better forecast weather conditions.