Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclo...
- Mechanism of tropical cyclones Heating of ocean water creates a low- pressure area to fill which wind from several high-pressure areas converge at high speeds.
- Due to the presence of Coriolis force, they start circulating the low-pressure zone. The evaporated moisture from the ocean's low-pressure area condenses above in the form of cumulonimbus clouds.
- This latent heat of condensation from the moisture feeds more heat to the cyclone and intensifies it. On reaching the land, the cyclone dissipates as its moisture supply is cut off.
- Extratropical cyclones Formed in mid and high latitudes, beyond the tropics Forms along polar fronts - Derives its energy from a meeting and circulation of warm and cold air front.
Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclo...
Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because
Explanation:
Tropical cyclones and extratropical cyclones are both strong low-pressure weather systems that form over warm ocean waters. However, there are some key differences in their characteristics and behavior, which explain why tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land while extratropical cyclones do not.
Tropical Cyclones:
1. Derive their energy from the moisture of the sea:
- Tropical cyclones are fueled by the warm ocean waters, which provide abundant moisture and heat.
- As the warm air rises from the ocean's surface, it condenses and releases latent heat, which further powers the cyclone.
- The moisture-laden air in tropical cyclones helps to sustain their intensity and strength.
2. Dissipate on reaching the land:
- When a tropical cyclone moves over land, it loses its primary source of moisture and heat, as land surfaces do not provide as much moisture as the sea.
- As a result, the cyclone begins to weaken and eventually dissipates.
- The absence of moisture and heat hampers the cyclone's ability to sustain its convective activity, leading to its gradual decay.
Extratropical Cyclones:
1. Derive their energy from polar fronts:
- Extratropical cyclones form along the boundaries of contrasting air masses, often referred to as fronts.
- These cyclones derive their energy from the temperature contrasts between warm and cold air masses, rather than from moisture like tropical cyclones.
- Specifically, extratropical cyclones draw energy from the temperature gradient along polar fronts, where warm air meets cold air.
2. Do not dissipate on reaching the land:
- Unlike tropical cyclones, extratropical cyclones can persist and even intensify after moving over land.
- The presence of the temperature gradient and the availability of contrasting air masses allow extratropical cyclones to maintain their energy and structure.
- They can continue to draw energy from the frontal systems and undergo complex interactions with other meteorological features, leading to their sustained existence over land.
In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'C' - both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land due to the loss of their moisture source, while extratropical cyclones do not dissipate because they derive their energy from polar fronts and can maintain their structure even over land.