A recent event that caught the attention of meteorologists and news outlets alike was the devastating bomb cyclone that struck the United States and Canada. The unexpected weather event was responsible for causing a series of road accidents, leading to over 30 fatalities. This incident has raised questions about what exactly a bomb cyclone is and how it forms.
Understanding a Bomb Cyclone
At its core, a bomb cyclone is an intense midlatitude storm characterized by its extremely low atmospheric pressure center. It is accompanied by a variety of weather conditions including blizzards, severe thunderstorms, and heavy precipitation. Given the potential severity of the weather changes they can engender, bomb cyclones often put forecasters on high alert due to their potential to cause significant damage.
The Birth of a Storm: Formation of a Bomb Cyclone
The formation of these storms involves a complex interplay of air masses of different pressures. The process begins when a low-pressure, warm air mass comes into contact with a high-pressure, cold air mass. This results in wind creation as air flows from areas of high pressure to those of low pressure. When a midlatitude cyclone undergoes rapid intensification, resulting in a drop of at least 24 millibars within a 24-hour period, a bomb cyclone is born. This rapid intensification increases the pressure difference between the two air masses, thus strengthening the winds. This phenomenon is termed as bombogenesis.
Comparing Weather Phenomena: Bomb Cyclone vs Hurricane
Despite some surface similarities, bomb cyclones are distinct from hurricanes. While the latter are known to form in tropical regions powered by warm seas, bomb cyclones thrive during colder months when there is an abundance of cold and warm air. During summer, the presence of cold air in the atmosphere is significantly reduced, making bomb cyclone formation less likely. Moreover, hurricanes are typically seen in tropical waters, whereas bomb cyclones originate over the Northwestern Atlantic, Northwestern Pacific, and occasionally, the Mediterranean Sea.
Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In the previous year’s examination (2020), questions pertaining to atmospheric phenomena included:
1. Are jet streams exclusive to the Northern Hemisphere?
2. Do all cyclones develop an eye?
3. Is the temperature within a cyclone’s eye nearly 10ºC lower than its surroundings?
In response to the above, only statement 2 was deemed correct. This highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of meteorological events, such as bomb cyclones, for aspirants of the Civil Services Examination.
Conclusion
Bomb cyclones, while less frequent than hurricanes or regular cyclones, pose a significant risk due to their rapid formation and destructive potential. Their recent impact on the United States and Canada underscores the importance of continued research and public awareness about these weather phenomena. Understanding their formation, behavior, and impact can lead to better forecasting and preparedness, potentially saving lives and reducing damage in future occurrences.
Source: IE