Cyclone

A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure. It is characterized by inward spiraling winds that rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Cyclones are often associated with severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds. They form over warm ocean waters and derive their energy from the heat of the water, which causes the air to rise and create a low-pressure area. Depending on their location and intensity, cyclones can vary in classification, with tropical cyclones being defined specifically as those that develop over tropical oceans. Cyclones can lead to significant meteorological events such as hurricanes or typhoons when they reach certain strength thresholds. The term “cyclone” can also refer to a broader category that includes various storm systems, such as extratropical or polar cyclones, distinguished primarily by their formation processes and locations.