Topics Covered:
- Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
‘Bomb Cyclone’
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: Bomb cyclone- meaning, features, threats and preparedness, why are they on rise in recent times?
Context: A powerful bomb cyclone has impacted several part of the US causing heavy floods.
What is a Bomb cyclone?
The term is used by meteorologists to indicate a mid-latitude cyclone that intensifies rapidly.
A bomb cyclone happens when atmospheric pressure in the middle of the storm drops at least 24 millibars over 24 hours, quickly increasing in intensity. The lower the pressure, the stronger the storm.
How it works?
Deep drops in barometric pressure occur when a region of warm air meets one of cold air. The air starts to move and the rotation of the earth creates a cyclonic effect. The direction is counterclockwise in the Northern hemisphere leading to winds that come out of the northeast.
What’s the difference between hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons?
- Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons are all tropical storms. They are all the same thing but are given different names depending on where they appear. When they reach populated areas they usually bring very strong wind and rain which can cause a lot of damage.
- Hurricanes are tropical storms that form over the North Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific. Cyclones are formed over the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Typhoons are formed over the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
Sources: the hindu.
