Many of the changes and movements that occur in the atmosphere of our planet, are determined by the movements of the Earth and the irregular characteristics of the earth’s surface. The Earth’s atmosphere is constantly moving, and that is due to the fluctuation of warm air that flows from the tropics to the poles, and returns cold from the poles to Ecuador. The layer of the atmosphere closest to the earth’s surface is called troposphere, and is the one that contains the air we breathe and where the Meteorological phenomena that determine The climate of the earth. The atmospheric current, that is, the air that fluctuates crossing seas and oceans around the world, can undergo physical changes throughout its trajectory and the environmental factors that surround it. These changes can be, for example, in their temperature or in their humidity, and depending on the characteristics that the air has, it will be more or less light and will remain more or less time in the same region.
In this ecology article, it will be explained What are cyclones and anticyclonesmeteorological phenomena that happen when there are variations in the atmosphere pressure.
Earth and wind movement: the Coriolis effect
Earth’s rotation It makes the air flowing through the troposphere curve, that is, the air masses are subjected to a force that diverts its trajectory. This force, commonly known as Coriolis effectimplies that Ascending air columns From the northern hemisphere, the clock needles (time sense) and those of the southern hemisphere will be diverted in reverse (anti -time sense) will be deflated.
This effect produces very important movements not only in the air, but also in water masses. This effect is enhanced as closer to Ecuador, since the surface of the Earth in that area is greater and also turns out to be the area farthest from the center of the Earth.
What is a cyclone and its types
Cyclones are a very common phenomenon, normally considered as intense winds accompanied by storms. These strong winds are formed in areas where the pressure is low (less than 1013 PA), and these low pressures generate winds that attract other masses of atmospheric air with greater pressure. This phenomenon, also called storm or cyclonic floworiginates when the sea surface is at high temperatures, since, in these conditions, the warm air is ascending moisture to condense in storm clouds. All these clouds advance in large circles that revolve on themselves, forming extremely strong winds and leaving a space in the center that is known as the eye of the hurricane. These cyclonic flows are especially particular due to the great energy they possess, which comes from the heat that the water vapor releases when condensing.
You can have up to 200 km in diameter, and The winds of a cyclone can reach speeds between 50 and 250 km/h (Depending on the type of cyclone, losing strength as they approach to land or when they reach oceanic areas with colder temperatures.
These types of phenomena produce huge waves and large water displacements. In tropical areas, cyclones usually cause floods of great importance, and are capable of transporting really heavy objects at long distances.
Categories or types of cyclones
- Tropical.
- Extrophical.
- Subtropical.
- Polar
- Mesocyclones
Of this classification, the most important is the tropical cyclone, which is subdivided into five categories based on the speed and aggressiveness of the winds. This type of cyclone, depending on its strength, can be called tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane. Obviously the fastest speed and aggressiveness is the hurricane, which causes very strong winds and large damage.
Although tropical cyclones can generate great damage, such as the destruction of natural homes and habitats, it can also provide very positive aspects, such as putting an end to periods of drought or regenerating vegetation coverage (since the older or weak trees are eliminated).
In reference to extreme cyclones, we can say that they are associated with a low pressure system between the tropics and the poles and that depend on the contrast between cold and warm air masses. If a very marked decrease in atmospheric pressure occurs, this type of cyclone is called explosive cyclogenesis, and produces great damage, such as floods or landslides.
Regarding subtropical cyclones, they have a fusion of characteristics of the two previous cyclones, and their characteristics will depend on their place of origin. In reference to the polar cyclone, we must mention that it is also often called Arctic Cyclone, and turns out to be a low pressure system with a fairly large diameter that causes strong winds. Even so, it has a shorter life than that of tropical cyclones, since in 24 hours it can reach its maximum point.
Finally, the mesocyclone is an air vortex that is formed during a convective storm, and usually be associated with thunderstorms. This phenomenon is formed in high -instability conditions and when there are strong winds at great heights, but it is usually very scarce to see.
What are anticyclones and their types
An anticyclone is a high -pressure zone (exceeding 1013 pa), in which Atmospheric pressure is superior to that of the surrounding air and increases from the periphery to the center. It could usually be associated with the typical stable time, clear sky and with sun.
The air column of an anticyclone is more stable than the air around it. In turn, the air that is descending down, produces a phenomenon known as a subsidence, which means that it prevents the formation of rainfall. Of course, it should be taken into account that the way the air will descend will vary according to the hemisphere in which it is.
These Anticyclonic flows They develop more easily in summer, further aggravating the drought time. They usually be irregular phenomena, both in their form and in their behavior, not as with cyclones, which are more easily predictable. In general, anticyclones can be classified into four groups or types.
Types or groups of anticyclones
- Subtropical Atlas
- Continental Polar Atlas
- Atlas between cyclones series
- Atltas produced by polar air invasion
The first is the subtropical atlas, which turn out to be large and elongated anticyclonic flows, located in the subtropics and normally stationary or with very slow movements. In this group, the Azores anticyclone should be highlighted, which turns out to be a very important, dynamic anticyclone and that conditions the climate of the area and the storms that will come in colder times.
In second place are the anticyclones called continental polar atlas, which are formed in winter on the closest continents to the north and are moving until they reach warmer waters and are absorbed by the subtropical anticyclone.
The third group of anticyclones are the atlas among the cyclones series, which are small and as its name indicates between cyclones.
The last anticyclonic group is that of the atltas produced by the invasion of polar air, which as its name indicates, the cold air adsorbs the heat of the hottest waters and the few days is transformed into a subtropical anticyclone.
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