In recent news, cyclone Burevi has made landfall in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka, following its journey towards Southern India. This event occurs only days after Cyclone Nivar impacted the coast of Puducherry.
Naming of the Cyclones
The naming convention for cyclones allows various countries affected by these storms to understand and communicate information more effectively. In this instance, the name Burevi was given by the Maldives.
Comparison Between Burevi and Nivar
While both cyclones have garnered significant attention, it’s critical to note that Burevi would not intensify beyond the severity of a cyclonic storm. This limitation is due to upwelling induced by Nivar. Upwelling is a process where cooler water from lower ocean surfaces is pushed upwards. Without warm sea surface conditions, cyclones like Burevi lack the necessary fuel to intensify while at sea. Additionally, interaction with landmass has reduced its speed and intensity.
Understanding Tropical Cyclones
A tropical cyclone is a powerful circular storm originating from warm tropical oceans. It is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain. Central to a tropical cyclone is the eye, an area marked by clear skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure.
These storms receive different names depending on their location. For example, they’re referred to as hurricanes in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific regions, and typhoons in Southeast Asia and China. In the Southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean region, they’re known as tropical cyclones and as Willy-willies in Northwestern Australia. These storms also rotate in different directions based on their hemisphere; counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Conditions for Tropical Cyclone Formation
Several conditions must be met for the formation and intensification of tropical storms. These include a large sea surface with a temperature above 27°C, the presence of the Coriolis force, minor variations in vertical wind speed, a pre-existing low-pressure area or low-level cyclonic circulation, and upper divergence above the sea level system. Understanding these conditions allows for better forecasting and mitigation efforts.
The impact of such cyclones calls for greater understanding and preparedness on part of the governments and individuals alike. As we continue to witness the formation of cyclones like Nivar and Burevi, the need for effective communication and understanding of these natural disasters becomes increasingly evident. By comprehending the nature and effects of these storms, we can develop more effective strategies to protect lives and property during these times.