One of the meteorological phenomena that draws the most attention due to its potential power and, consequently, the damage it can cause is undoubtedly our focus today.
Do you want to know what a cyclone is and how is it formed? I'll explain it to you below.
What is it?
A cyclone is a gigantic eddy of wind accompanied by a storm, which can form in any area where there is low pressure, as these are zones that draw air from the atmosphere. At their core, cyclones can cause devastating phenomena such as intense winds and heavy rains, often generating floods and landslides. For more information on this topic, you can consult What are cyclones?.
types of cyclones
There are five types of cyclones: tropical, extratropical, subtropical, polar and mesocyclonesOf these, we will especially highlight Tropical and polar cyclones are the most frequent protagonists of meteorological news.
– Tropical cyclone:
It forms in oceans with high temperatures. These phenomena absorb all the energy they need of warm ocean water and the atmosphere. They are also known as hurricanes or typhoons, and even tropical storms. The winds they generate can reach a minimum speed of 120 km per hour, accompanied by heavy rains that can cause severe flooding and storm surges. If you'd like to learn more about the difference between a hurricane, a cyclone, and a typhoon, I invite you to read this article.
– Polar cyclone:
Unlike tropical cyclones, this type of cyclone has a shorter duration. They develop rapidly, reaching their maximum intensity in just one day. Although they are not considered as problematic as tropical cyclones, their wind intensity can also be considerable, with speeds that can exceed 70 km per hour.
Explosive cyclogenesis
When talking about cyclones, it is inevitable that we deal with the subject of explosive cyclogenesisThis phenomenon is simply the consolidation of a cyclone, producing very intense gusts of wind and storm surges that can cause serious property damage. It is characterized by a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure in a short period of time, which can trigger severe weather conditions.
For it to happen, the temperature of the sea surface and that of the air must be very different, which creates an environment conducive to cyclone formation. This phenomenon can trigger violent storms and destructive winds, and is one of the most dangerous and fascinating aspects of meteorological study. If you're interested, you can read more about the fujiwhara effect.
Explosive cyclogenesis typically occurs during winter in mid-latitudes and can lead to severe weather conditions, including snowstorms, strong winds, and phenomena such as Perfect storm, where multiple weather systems interact.
How a tropical cyclone forms
The formation of a tropical cyclone follows a well-defined process that includes several stages. Below, I'll explain each of these steps:
- Atmospheric instability: For a cyclone to form, there must be instability in the atmosphere, which allows warm, humid air to rise.
- Oceanographic conditions: The ocean water temperature must be above 26 degrees Celsius at the surface. This provides the energy needed for the cyclone to develop.
- Correlation with the winds: Winds at different levels of the atmosphere must be aligned, allowing air separation and facilitating the system's rotation.
- Convergence of winds: The convergence of winds at the surface contributes to the formation of a low-pressure area, which can evolve into a cyclone.
Consequences of cyclones
Tropical cyclones are, without a doubt, a major threat to both property and life. They pose many dangers, such as:
- Floods: These are caused by intense rains and storm surges that can cause rivers and lakes to overflow.
- Storm surge: Rising sea levels can cause flooding in coastal areas.
- Destructive winds: They can cause structural damage to buildings, knock down trees, and cause power outages.
- Ground slides: They occur in mountainous areas after heavy rains, causing devastation and loss of life.
Tropical Cyclone Prediction
Tropical cyclone forecasting is a critical aspect of modern meteorology. Through technological advances such as meteorological satellites, numerical prediction models and ocean buoys, meteorologists can identify the formation of tropical systems and predict their trajectory and strength. This information is vital for the preparedness and evacuation of at-risk communities. It's a topic that has been explored in depth in hurricane studies.
Forecasts are generally made several days in advance, and although they are increasingly accurate, there is always a margin of error due to the complexity of atmospheric phenomena.
Memorable tropical cyclones
Historically, there have been tropical cyclones that have left an indelible mark on the collective memory due to their devastating force. Some of the most memorable are:
- Cyclone Katrina (2005): A hurricane that primarily impacted New Orleans, causing massive destruction and thousands of deaths.
- Cyclone Sandy (2012): It affected the east coast of the United States, causing enormous damage and economic losses.
- Cyclone Fani (2019): A cyclone that hit the east coast of India, leaving thousands of people homeless and causing considerable damage.
Understanding these phenomena is important not only for meteorological science but also for public safety, as it allows us to mitigate the risks associated with these powerful weather systems.
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