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What is a cyclone?
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"Cyclone" usually refers to an extra-tropical (non-tropical) cyclone,
which is a low pressure area that forms near the boundary between warm and cool
air masses. As seen above, the cyclone grows in size
and intensity as it draws on the energy that is available from the temperature contrast between
the two air masses (see below). As some of the warm air rises up over the cold air mass, and some of the
cold air sinks and flows under the warm air mass, the cyclone "deepens" (the air pressure
becomes lower) and the winds around the system increase.
The leading edges of these air masses are called fronts.
After a few days, most of the energy that was available to the cyclone is used up,
and the cyclone slowly dies. During its lifetime, the cyclone has most likely moved
from low latitudes to higher latitudes. In this way cyclones accomplish much of the
heat transfer from the tropics to the higher latitudes, and help to maintain the general
circulation of the atmosphere. Almost all winter storms are associated with cyclones.
"Cyclone" is also a name given to hurricanes
that form in the Indian Ocean.
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| Interesting facts:
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| Since cyclones are usually associated with rising air, they are often accompanied
by clouds and precipitation.
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