Cyclones and Anticyclones – UGC NET Geography – Notes

A cyclone is defined as any low-pressure area with inward spiraling winds. In the northern hemisphere, cyclones rotate anticlockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate clockwise. Cyclogenesis is the process of cyclone formation and intensification.

Cyclones

• Cyclones are a type of low-pressure environment with rapid inward air circulation.
• In the Northern Hemisphere, air flows counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it circulates clockwise.
• Storms and poor weather are frequently associated with cyclones.
• The word Cyclone comes from the Greek word Cyclos, which means snake coils.
• Henry Paddington invented the term because tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea resemble coiled sea serpents.

Formation of Cyclones

• Cyclogenesis is an important factor in the generation and strengthening of cyclones.
• It’s a catch-all term for a number of various processes that result in a cyclone.
• Tropical cyclones occur near the equator over warm ocean water.
• Warm, moist air at the ocean’s surface rises upward.
• This results in a low-pressure zone close to the surface.
• This causes cooler air from the surrounding areas to flow into the low-pressure area.
• Even this frigid air is now warm and moist, and it rises.
• The cycle described above continues.
• The water in the air cools as warm wet air rises, resulting in the development of clouds.
• This cycle repeats itself, resulting in a cyclone.
• A tropical storm occurs when winds exceed 63 miles per hour, and a tropical cyclone or hurricane occurs when winds reach 119 miles per hour.

Formation of a Cyclone

Local Names of Cyclone

In different areas, cyclones are referred to by different names.

1. Hurricanes – In the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific.
2. Typhoons – In Southeast Asia
3. Cyclone – In the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific around Australia.

Local Names of Cyclones Around the World