ANTICYCLONE Meaning and
Definition
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An anticyclone is a weather system characterized by a high-pressure area with its center marked by a clockwise rotation of air in the Northern Hemisphere (or a counterclockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere). This atmospheric circulation pattern causes air to descend, leading to a subsidence of air in the upper levels of the troposphere. As a result, anticyclones are typically associated with calm weather conditions, including clear skies, light winds, and relatively dry and stable air.
The presence of an anticyclone often leads to an inhibition of cloud formation and precipitation. The sinking air within the system compresses and warms, resulting in the dissipation of clouds and the promotion of sunny conditions. Furthermore, the lack of vertical motion inhibits the vertical mixing of air, which can prevent the dispersion of pollutants and contribute to the accumulation of air pollutants near the surface over a prolonged period.
Anticyclones are commonly associated with fair weather, sometimes lasting for days or even weeks, and are generally observed in the mid-latitudes. They can play a significant role in shaping the weather patterns and climate of a region. Anticyclones can disrupt the movement of weather systems, leading to extended periods of calm weather, heatwaves, or prolonged dry spells. However, they can also contribute to the formation of temperature inversions, which can trap pollutants near the Earth's surface and lead to poor air quality.
Common Misspellings for ANTICYCLONE
- znticyclone
- snticyclone
- wnticyclone
- qnticyclone
- abticyclone
- amticyclone
- ajticyclone
- ahticyclone
- anricyclone
- anficyclone
- angicyclone
- anyicyclone
- an6icyclone
- an5icyclone
- antucyclone
- antjcyclone
- Antixclone
Etymology of ANTICYCLONE
The word "anticyclone" originated from the combination of two Greek words: "anti", meaning opposite, and "kyklos", meaning circle or wheel. The term was coined in the mid-19th century by Francis Galton, an English scientist and cousin of Charles Darwin. Galton used this term to describe a persistent high-pressure system in the atmosphere, characterized by descending air spiraling outward in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The name "anticyclone" reflects the opposite rotational direction compared to cyclones, which are areas of low pressure.
Similar spelling words for ANTICYCLONE
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