Cyclones, in the context of meteorology, refer to powerful atmospheric systems characterized by circulating winds around a low-pressure center. These weather phenomena are typically associated with areas of warm ocean waters, and they can vary in size, intensity, and location. A cyclone is commonly referred to as a hurricane in the Atlantic and northeastern Pacific oceans, a typhoon in the western Pacific, and a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.
The defining feature of cyclones is their circular motion. The sustained rotation of air around a central core creates a low-pressure region at the center. As a result, surrounding air rushes inwards, gradually gaining in speed, forming spiral bands of clouds and thunderstorms. In the northern hemisphere, cyclones rotate counterclockwise, while they rotate clockwise in the southern hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect.
Cyclones are known for their destructive potential. The strong winds, often exceeding 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour), and heavy rainfall associated with cyclones can cause considerable damage to infrastructure, including buildings and vegetation. Additionally, storm surges—raised sea levels caused by the cyclonic winds—can result in flooding along coastal areas. These powerful systems can also generate tornadoes, thunderstorms, and dangerous waves, further contributing to the overall impact.
Given the potential hazards of cyclones, forecasting and monitoring these weather systems have become crucial for mitigating the associated risks. Satellite imagery, weather radars, and computer models are employed to track their formation, movement, and intensity, enabling timely detection and necessary precautions to be taken to safeguard lives and communities in cyclone-prone areas.
