Cyclones and Anticyclones-Comparisons

Cyclones are a large system of atmospheric winds that circulate around a low atmospheric pressure as its centre. It rotates in a counter-clockwise direction towards the equator and a clockwise direction towards the south. In comparison, the characteristics and rotational directions of anticyclones are opposites of cyclones. In general, these systems produce precipitation and clouds, thus are referred to as a big storm. There will be a discussion on the reason for the formation of cyclones and anticyclones in the atmosphere. By the end of the guide, cyclones and anticyclones comparisons will be discussed. 

What does it mean by cyclones and anticyclones in geography?

Cyclones are large atmospheric wind-and-pressure disturbances, generally formed in a low-pressure area and are characterised by a destructive air circulation. The centre of the cyclone is termed “The Eye” which is associated with light winds and no rain. The cyclonic winds are generally moving across all regions of the Earth. However, it does not cross the equatorial belt that is associated with snow or rain. Cyclones that occur in the northern hemisphere of the Equator are rotating in an anticlockwise direction. On the other side, cyclones rotate in clockwise directions towards the southern hemisphere. Similarly, anticyclones are atmospheric disturbances that form in a high-pressure area and rotate around the area as their centres. Hence, an anticyclone flows in opposite directions to that of a cyclone. It rotates in a clockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and in the Southern hemisphere; it rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. In India, it has been seen that cyclones frequently occur in the coastal areas, which include the East coast (Bay of Bengal) and the West coast (the Arabian Sea). In addition, coastal districts such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal are highly cyclone-prone areas in India.

Reason for the formulation of cyclones and anticyclones 

In tropical regions, cyclones are formulated over the heated water of the oceans that are low-pressure areas. In general, this low-pressure area is being created by the heat of the sun. In such areas, the wind rises rapidly as it becomes saturated. This is because it is associated with moisture, which in turn condenses into a large thundercloud. The subcontinents of India are vulnerably cyclone-prone regions in the world. India has an 8041kilometre-long coastline that is exposed to 10 percent of the tropical cyclones of the world. However, every year the majority of the cyclone formulate over the Bay of Bengal and strike the districts in the eastern coastal region of India. 

Cyclones and anticyclones comparisons

Cyclones and anticyclones comparisons are discussed below: 

1. I) a cyclone occurs in a low-pressure area and it rotates around that low-pressure area as its centre where air masses rise. On the other hand, an anticyclone occurs in a high-pressure area and rotates around the area as its centre where air sinks and moves apart.
2. II) In general, a cyclone indicates violent storms and bad weather such as clouds and rains, while in comparison anticyclones indicate fair weather. 

III) In a cyclone, a large wind system blows around a low-pressure area in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. While in comparison, an anticyclone is a large wind system that blows around a high-pressure area clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. 

1. IV) When a cyclone builds up, air near the ground is forced to the centre of the cycle. This means that the air is pushed towards the low-pressure area and then it expands, rising upward and cooling as the wind system moves. On the other hand, when an anticyclone builds up air is forced away from the centre of the article. This means that the air is forced away and replaced with a downward air blast from the higher altitude. 
2. V) When a cyclone becomes cool, the upward wind becomes more humid which in turn leads to high humidity and cloudiness within the cyclone. In comparison, in an anticyclone, the air heats up and compresses as moves downward, the wind reduces humidity and leads to lower clouds. 

Conclusion

After the discussion, it can be concluded that India is a cyclone-prone region because of its wider base of coastal areas. Cyclones are formed in low-pressure areas due to violent storms or atmospheric disturbances, which in turn bring high waves, torrential rain, violent winds in the districts associated with coastal regions. This natural phenomenon sometimes leads to coastal flooding and results to destructive wind surges, which causes a huge amount of property damage. In comparison, anticyclones bring dry and hot weather to the atmosphere.