<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>Tropical Cyclones-2/”>Cyclones are powerful and destructive weather systems that form over warm ocean waters. Depending on their location, these storms are referred to by different names: cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons. Though they are essentially the same phenomenon, their naming and some regional characteristics distinguish them.
| Feature | Cyclone | Hurricane | Typhoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | A general term for a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low Atmospheric Pressure. | A Tropical Cyclone that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean. | A tropical cyclone that occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. |
| Location | Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean | Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean | Northwestern Pacific Ocean |
| Season | October to May in the South Pacific; April to December in the Indian Ocean | June to November | May to October |
| Wind Speed | Can exceed 74 mph (119 km/h) | Can exceed 74 mph (119 km/h) | Can exceed 74 mph (119 km/h) |
| Naming Authority | Regional Meteorological Centers and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers | National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) | Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and other regional centers |
| Naming Convention | Named from pre-determined lists | Named from pre-determined lists | Named from pre-determined lists |
| Impact Regions | South Asia, Australia, East Africa | North America, Caribbean, Central America | East Asia, Southeast Asia |
| Common Effects | Heavy rain, strong winds, storm surges, flooding | Heavy rain, strong winds, storm surges, flooding | Heavy rain, strong winds, storm surges, flooding |
| Monitoring | Regional meteorological agencies | National Hurricane Center (USA) | Japan Meteorological Agency, Joint Typhoon Warning Center |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Replenish water sources by bringing heavy rains | Cause extensive damage to Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and homes |
| Aid in balancing heat distribution in the Atmosphere | Lead to loss of life due to floods, landslides, and high winds |
| Can benefit agricultural lands with nutrient-rich sediments | Disrupt transportation and Communication networks |
| Helps in maintaining ecological balance in coastal areas | Economic loss due to damage to industries, agriculture, and tourism |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Can bring much-needed rain to drought-affected areas | Cause widespread destruction due to high winds and storm surges |
| Helps maintain temperature equilibrium in the atmosphere | Lead to significant loss of life and property |
| Assist in oceanic nutrient cycling | Cause severe flooding and landslides |
| Important for maintaining global climatic balance | Disrupt economic activities and cause long-term economic setbacks |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Supply fresh water to regions experiencing drought | Cause extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture |
| Help in regulating global temperature | Lead to numerous fatalities and injuries |
| Bring nutrient-rich sediments to coastal areas | Disrupt daily life and economic activities |
| Play a role in maintaining ecological balance | Lead to severe flooding and landslides |
Q1: What is the main difference between a cyclone, a hurricane, and a typhoon?
A: The primary difference is their location. Cyclones occur in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, hurricanes in the Atlantic and northeastern Pacific, and typhoons in the northwestern Pacific.
Q2: How do these storms get their names?
A: They are named by regional meteorological organizations using pre-determined lists of names.
Q3: What are the main causes of these storms?
A: These storms are caused by the Evaporation of warm ocean water, which creates low-pressure areas that draw in surrounding air, resulting in powerful winds and heavy rains.
Q4: Can these storms be predicted?
A: Yes, with modern meteorological tools and satellites, the formation, path, and intensity of these storms can be predicted to some extent.
Q5: What are the common effects of cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons?
A: Common effects include heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surges, flooding, and coastal erosion.
Q6: How can people stay safe during these storms?
A: People should follow evacuation orders, stay informed through weather updates, secure their property, and have emergency supplies ready.
Q7: Are there any benefits to these destructive storms?
A: Despite their destructive nature, these storms can bring needed rainfall to drought areas, help in heat distribution in the atmosphere, and contribute to oceanic nutrient cycling.
Q8: What is the role of meteorological agencies during these storms?
A: Meteorological agencies monitor, predict, and provide warnings about the storms, helping to mitigate their impact by informing the public and authorities.
Q9: How long do these storms typically last?
A: The lifespan of these storms can range from a few days to over a week, depending on various atmospheric conditions.
Q10: How have these storms impacted historical and modern societies?
A: These storms have shaped human history through significant destruction, economic losses, and changes in settlement patterns, and they continue to impact modern societies by necessitating advances in disaster preparedness and response.