CYCLONE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)
Context: The Bay of Bengal is bracing for some intense weather as Cyclone 'Remal' is expected to develop around May 24.
Cyclone
- About: It is a large, rotating storm system with low pressure at its center. Cyclones can form in any ocean basin, but they are most common in the tropics.
- Cause: A variety of hazards, including strong winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall.
- Types of cyclones
oTropical cyclones: These are the most common type of cyclone. They form over warm, tropical oceans and are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.
oExtratropical cyclones: These cyclones form over cooler waters and are not as strong as tropical cyclones. They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snow.
oMidlatitude cyclones: These cyclones form in the midlatitudes and are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snow.
- Formation of Cyclones
oWarm ocean temperatures: Cyclones thrive on warm waters with temperatures above 26.5°C (80°F) as they serve as a primary source of energy for their formation and intensification.
oFavorable atmospheric conditions: The presence of a pre-existing weather disturbance, such as a tropical wave or low-pressure system, can provide the initial trigger for cyclone development. Additionally, low vertical wind shear is crucial for cyclone formation and maintenance.
oMoisture and instability: Sufficient moisture in the lower atmosphere and unstable atmospheric conditions contribute to the development of thunderstorms, which are the building blocks of a cyclone.
Recent Cyclones: Cyclonic Storm Michaung, Cyclone Madhili, Cyclone Hidaya, Cyclone Hamoon, Cyclone Tej
