Mid-Latitude and Tropical Cyclones

These flashcards cover key terminologies and concepts related to mid-latitude and tropical cyclones, their characteristics, development stages, and impacts.

Polar Easterlies

Winds that blow from the pole towards subpolar low-pressure belts (90°-60°).

Cold Front

The border zone between a cold air mass and a warm air mass.

Cyclone

A low pressure system that forms as a result of rising air, characterized by clockwise movement in the southern hemisphere.

Warm Front

The border zone between a warm air mass and a cold air mass.

Westerlies

Winds that blow from the subtropical high-pressure belts to the subpolar low-pressure belts (30°-60°).

Veering

A change in the direction of winds in a clockwise direction.

Backing

A change in the direction of wind in an anticlockwise direction.

Mid-Latitude Cyclones

Cyclones that develop in the temperature latitudes, between latitudes 30°-70° north and south of the equator.

ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

An area around the equator where intense heat causes convection and convergence of tropical easterly winds.

Vortex

A spiral motion of air in the centre of a tropical cyclone that sucks everything near it toward its centre.

Eye of Cyclone

The calm, clear centre of a tropical cyclone where air is sucked down and heats adiabatically.

Storm Surge

An abnormal rise in the level of the sea along a coast caused by onshore winds and intense low pressure of a severe cyclone.

Coriolis Force

The force that deflects winds to the left in the Southern Hemisphere and to the right in the Northern Hemisphere due to Earth’s rotation.

Adiabatic Heating

Temperature increase of a moving air mass which occurs when it subsides.

Occluded Stage

The stage in a cyclone where the cold front overtakes the warm front, causing the warm air to be isolated from the ground.

Tropical Cyclone

A rapidly-rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure centre, strong winds, and heavy rain.

Upper Air Divergence

When air in the upper atmosphere moves outward, causing low pressure and intensifying conditions on the surface.

Initial Stage of Cyclone Development

The stage where the polar front is stationary, and different air masses do not mix due to differences in density, temperature, and humidity.

Mature Stage of Cyclone Development

The stage where the cyclone reaches maximum intensity and features a clear eye and vortex.

Decay Stage of Cyclone

Occurs when a cyclone moves into cooler temperatures and loses moisture supply, causing its intensity to decrease.

Satellite Images and Synoptic Weather Maps

Tools used to monitor and study the conditions and movements of cyclones.

Impact on Humans

Can include both positive (winter rainfall beneficial for crops) and negative (floods and storm damage) effects.

Stratus Clouds

Clouds that typically have a uniform gray appearance and can cover the sky, often associated with stable weather.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Tall, dense clouds associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe weather conditions.