Mains Daily Question
Nov. 18, 2019

Q. Discuss the various features of tropical cyclones. While mentioning the factors contributing in formation of tropical cyclone differentiate them from extra-tropical cyclones.

Structure of the answer:

  • Introduction

  • Features of tropical cyclone

  • Factors contributing in formation of cyclones

  • Difference between tropical and extra tropical cyclones

  • Conclusion

Model Answer

Cyclone is an intense vortex or a whirl in the atmosphere with very strong winds circulating around it in anti-clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in clockwise direction in the Southern HemisphereFor Ex- Cyclone Titli

Some of the special characteristics of tropical cyclones are as follows:

  • Cyclones have intense low pressure areas and pressure increases outwards.

  • They mainly originate mainly in zones between 5– 30 °C Norther & South of latitude.

  • These originate over oceans in tropical areas & move to coastal areas.

  • They have large destructive force caused by violent winds, heavy rainfall & storm surges.

  • Tropical cyclones follow a parabolic path and its axis is parallel to the isobars.

Some of the necessary condition for the formation of tropical cyclones are as follows:

  • Continuous supply of abundant warm and moist air.

  • Sea temperature in lower latitudes should be around 27°C.

  • The cyclones require presence of large Coriolis force to deflect winds blowing toward the low pressure centre.

  • There must also be pre-existence of weak tropical disturbances.

  • Further, there should be presence of anticyclonic circulation at the height of 9 to 15 km above the surface.

However, the tropical cyclones are different from temperate cyclones in following ways:

  • Tropical cyclone is confined between 5-30° N-S of the equator, whereas temperate cyclone originate between 30 to 60° N-S of the equator.

  • Coriolis force plays vital role in the origin of tropical cyclone, whereas for temperate cyclone frontogenesis is the driving force.

  • Temperate cyclone covers large area as compared to tropical cyclone.

  • Tropical cyclone generally originates over water surface but the temperate cyclone originates over mid-latitude land mass.

  • Temperate cyclone generally moves eastward, while tropical cyclone moves from east to west.

  • Cyclone’s eye is a typical feature in case of tropical cyclone, while temperate cyclone have no such concept.

Thus, as cyclones carries destructive force there is a need for timely dissemination of warning and increasing preparedness of disaster management authorities.

Subjects : Geography
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