Cyclones vs Anti-Cyclones: A Meteorological Showdown
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Cyclones vs Anti-Cyclones: A Meteorological Showdown
The atmosphere on our planet is always in a state of constant change, working as a big engine to sustain life on the planet. This dynamic environment is powered by a process known as the global circulation system. One of the most important components of this system is the interaction between cyclones and anti-cyclones. Let’s look at how the two phenomena create a continuous meteorological showdown.
Understanding the basics
In order to understand the differences between cyclones and anti-cyclones, it is important to have the basic knowledge of air pressure. In meteorology, air pressure indicates the weight of air that presses down on the surface of the Earth. It is expressed in a unit known as hektopascal (hPa). Air pressure can vary from region to region, and higher-pressure areas are said to have high-pressure systems, while lower pressure areas are known for having low pressure systems.
Introducing Cyclone and Anti-Cyclone
Cyclones: When low pressure systems are formed due to temperature differences, they are referred to as cyclones. These systems generally rotate in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The pressure of the cyclones is low and the circulation of air around them is as such that warm moist air is brought nearer to the centre. As a result, cyclones become anchors of storms, thunderstorms and heavy rains.
Anti-Cyclones: On the contrary, anti-cyclones are high pressure systems that are caused due to warm air being displaced by cold air. These systems help push air away from their centre while circulating in the clockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and anticlockwise in the Southern hemisphere. This phenomenon results in clear skies and little precipitation, which explains why most deserts are located in the vicinity of anti-cyclones.
Cyclones vs anti-cyclones: The continuous meteorological saga
Formation:
The formation of cyclones and anti-cyclones is largely linked to the global circulation system. It is thought that the convection that takes place in a region causes air to rise up, which in turn causes the air pressure at the ground level to become lower. Due to this low-pressure system, air begins to move inwards to fill the void and forms a large area of low-pressure. These systems are known as cyclones. On the other hand, if the air flow outwords is greater than the air travelling inwards, then a high-pressure system is formed. This system is known as the anti-cyclone.
Effects:
Cyclones are notorious for bringing strong winds, torrential rains, lightning and thunderstorms as the air moves toward the centre of the low-pressure area. These systems are responsible for causing severe damage to both property and life in the areas they strike.
On the other hand, an anti-cyclone will suppress rainfall and make the whole atmosphere dry as the winds start to move away from it, thus forming a subtropical region of hot and dry climate. This is why the Sahara desert, the largest desert in the world, has an anti-cyclone in its core that brings very little rainfall in the region.
The dynamic balance:
Cyclones and anti-cyclones remain in a continuous state of struggle as the energy balances between them. Usually, these systems only last for a few days before abruptly changing into one another. The reason for this change is the temperature differences in the atmosphere, and the fact that one needs to counterbalance the other in order to maintain equilibrium in the atmosphere.
Conclusion
The atmospheric cycle of cyclones and anti-cyclones plays a vital role in the global circulation system. While the formation of cyclones can cause loss of life and property, anti-cyclones provide us with essential clear skies and a warm climate in its vicinities. In the end, it is fair to say that the meteorological showdown between these two phenomena is an important factor in the balance of temperature and energy on our planet.
