UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >   Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the ... Start Learning for Free
Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because
1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea
2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar fronts
Which of these is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
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.
Free Test
Community Answer
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.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Tropical cyclones dissipate on reaching the land; extratropical cyclones do not because1. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the moisture of the sea2. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from polar frontsWhich of these is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev