With reference to the Fujiwhara effect, consider the following stateme...
The correct answer is option 'B' - Statement 2 only.
Explanation:
The Fujiwhara effect is a phenomenon that occurs when two cyclonic vortices (usually tropical cyclones or hurricanes) come close to each other and begin to rotate about a common center. The effect was named after Sakuhei Fujiwhara, a Japanese meteorologist who first described it.
The Fujiwhara effect is primarily driven by the interaction between the two cyclones and does not depend on the mixing of warm and cold ocean currents. The effect is caused by the rotation and circulation of the cyclones themselves, rather than the temperature of the ocean waters.
The key factors that contribute to the Fujiwhara effect are:
1. Proximity: The two cyclones need to be close enough to each other for the effect to occur. Typically, they need to be within a certain distance, usually around 900 miles or less.
2. Size and intensity: The cyclones should be of similar size and intensity for the effect to be noticeable. If one cyclone is significantly larger or stronger than the other, it may dominate and absorb the smaller cyclone, preventing the Fujiwhara effect from occurring.
3. Steering currents: The movement of the cyclones is influenced by the surrounding atmospheric conditions, including the steering currents. If the steering currents are weak or variable, it can allow the cyclones to come close to each other and engage in the Fujiwhara effect.
4. Rotation direction: The rotation direction of the two cyclones plays a role in the effect. If the cyclones have the same rotation direction (either both clockwise or counterclockwise), they tend to orbit each other. However, if they have opposite rotation directions, they may repel each other and move away.
In conclusion, the Fujiwhara effect is not related to the mixing of warm and cold ocean currents but is instead influenced by proximity, size, intensity, steering currents, and rotation direction of the cyclones. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.
With reference to the Fujiwhara effect, consider the following stateme...
Recently, powerful winds tormented the Bay Area and other parts of Central and Southern California, uprooting trees and disrupting the power supply due to Fujiwhara effect.
- It was identified by a Japanese meteorologist Sakuhei Fujiwhara.
- It was observed for the first time over the western Pacific Ocean, when typhoons Marie and Kathy merged in 1964.
- What it is?
- When two hurricanes (or cyclones, depending on where you live), spinning in the same direction, are brought close together, they begin ‘an intense dance around their common center’ – this interaction between two cyclones is called the Fujiwhara effect.
- When it Occur?
- If one hurricane’s intensity overpowers the other, then the smaller one will orbit it and eventually crash into its vortex to be absorbed.
- On the other hand, if two storms of similar strengths pass by each other, they may gravitate towards each other until they reach a common center and merge, or merely spin each other around for a while before shooting off on their own paths.
- In rare instances, the two ‘dancing’ cyclones, if they are intense enough, may merge with one another, leading to the formation of a mega cyclone capable of wreaking havoc along coastlines.
- Experts have noted the rising frequency of this unusual effect, attributing it to a rapidly warming world and the subsequent heating of ocean waters.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
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