Whenever a tropical cyclone moves to land, much of its severity is red

Whenever a tropical cyclone moves to land, much of its severity is reduced. This is because

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1. its source of moisture is cut off
2. the friction over land kills tropical cyclones

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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The correct answer is C) Both 1 and 2. When a tropical cyclone moves over land, both the cutting off of its moisture source and the increased friction contribute significantly to the reduction of its severity and eventual dissipation.

– Statement 1 is correct: Tropical cyclones draw immense energy from the latent heat released by the condensation of water vapor evaporated from the warm ocean surface. Moving over land cuts off this primary energy source.
– Statement 2 is correct: The land surface is much rougher than the ocean surface, causing increased friction. This friction slows down the winds, disrupts the storm’s circulation pattern, and contributes to its weakening. While friction might not “kill” it instantly, it plays a vital role in its decay along with the loss of moisture and sensible heat from the surface.

The rapid weakening of a tropical cyclone upon landfall is primarily due to the combined effect of losing access to the warm, moist ocean and the increased friction from the land surface. Other factors like interaction with topography and ingestion of drier air can also contribute to its weakening.

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