Online Encyclopedia
Cyclone
- This article is about the meteorological phenomenon. For other uses of the term see Cyclone (disambiguation).
In meteorology, a cyclone refers to the rotation of a volume of air about an area of low atmospheric pressure. Cyclones are responsible for a wide variety of different meteorological phenomena such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Because of this, most weather forecasters avoid using the term cyclone without a qualifying term.
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Structure
Cyclones are centered about an area of low atmospheric pressure. The tendency of air to move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, known as the pressure gradient force, is responsible for the centripetal force necessary maintain the cyclone's circulation.
The Norwegian Cyclone Model
Types of Cylones
Tropical cyclones
Tropical cyclones (also known as tropical storms, hurricanes and typhoons) are cyclones which form over warm ocean waters and draw their energy from the evaporation and condensation of that water. They are characterized by a strong area of low pressure at the surface and an area of higher pressure aloft. Tropical cyclones are associated with strong thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding.
Subtropical cyclones
Subtropical cyclones lie somewhere in between tropical cyclones and mid-latitude cyclones, drawing a portion of their energy through the evaporation and condensation of ocean water, and some if it through horizontal temperature gradients in the atmosphere.
Mid-latitude cyclones
Mesocyclones
Tornadoes
In North America, a tornado may also be called a cyclone. This usage has gone out of favour in recent years as professional weather forecasters have avoided using the term in this way.
See also
- Anticyclone
- Arctic cyclone
- Mesocyclone
- Severe weather
- Subtropical cyclone
- Tornado
- Tropical cyclone
- Weather