How is cyclone formed? What is …

A Cyclone is a large scale air mass that rotates around strong centers of low pressure.

• Water vapors are formed when water is heated.
• This heat is released to atmosphere when water vapors convert to water during rains.
• The heat released, warms the air around and makes it to move up. This also results in decreased air pressure.
• Hence, cooler air from surrounding rushes to take the warm air’s place.
• This repeats till a low pressure system with surrounding high speed winds is created. This is called a Cyclone.
• Cyclone depends on wind speed, direction, temperature and humidity.

Cyclones are also called Hurricane in USA and Typhoon in Japan and Philippines

Structure of Cyclone The structure of cyclone contains:

• Eye – Low pressure and area of sinking air. Its diameter ranges from 10-100 kms.
• Eye Wall – Dense cloud surrounding eye having maximum wind speed. It causes maximum destruction.

Spiral rain bands – Band of clouds spiraling into eye wall and it contains heavy rains