What is the main difference between tropical cyclones and extratropica...
Tropical cyclones are more destructive, originate only on sea and dissipate on reaching land, and move from east to west, while extratropical cyclones move from west to east, have a lower wind velocity, and can affect much larger areas, originating on land as well as sea.
What is the main difference between tropical cyclones and extratropica...
The main difference between tropical cyclones and extratropical cyclones can be summarized in the following points:
1. Destructiveness:
- Tropical cyclones are generally more destructive than extratropical cyclones. Tropical cyclones have stronger winds, more intense rainfall, and a higher potential for storm surge. They can cause significant damage to coastal areas and have the potential to cause catastrophic destruction.
- On the other hand, while extratropical cyclones can also be powerful and cause damage, they are generally less intense and destructive compared to tropical cyclones.
2. Origin and Dissipation:
- Tropical cyclones typically originate over warm ocean waters, with temperatures of at least 27°C (80°F), and they derive their energy from the heat and moisture of the ocean. They form in tropical regions and their formation is dependent on warm sea surface temperatures.
- Extratropical cyclones, on the other hand, can form over both land and water. They are associated with temperature contrasts between air masses and are not solely dependent on warm ocean waters for their formation. They can develop in mid-latitude regions, such as the United States and Europe, and are often associated with frontal systems.
- Tropical cyclones tend to dissipate once they move over land or cooler waters, as they lose their source of warm moisture. In contrast, extratropical cyclones can continue to evolve and maintain their strength as they interact with different air masses.
3. Movement:
- Tropical cyclones generally move from east to west, driven by easterly trade winds in the tropics. They usually follow a curving path and can be influenced by various factors such as the Coriolis effect and the presence of high-pressure systems.
- Extratropical cyclones, on the other hand, typically move from west to east, following the general flow of the mid-latitude westerlies. They are often associated with the movement of weather systems, such as frontal boundaries, and can be influenced by the jet stream.
In conclusion, the main difference between tropical cyclones and extratropical cyclones lies in their origin, destructiveness, and movement patterns. Tropical cyclones are more destructive, originate over warm ocean waters, and move from east to west, while extratropical cyclones can form over land or water, are generally less destructive, and move from west to east.