Daily Current Affairs : 5-December-2023

Cyclone Michaung, currently on a trajectory toward the Andhra coast, has raised eyebrows due to its high intensity, especially considering it is December—a month not typically associated with severe storms in the North Indian Ocean.

Unexpected Upgradation to ‘Severe’ Storm

Initially categorized as a ‘tropical cyclone,’ Michaung’s status swiftly changed to a ‘severe’ storm, boasting wind speeds ranging from 88 kph to 166 kph. This abrupt intensification in the winter month of December is a departure from the norm and has piqued the interest of meteorologists and climate scientists alike.

Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Intensification

The unique intensification of Cyclone Michaung in December is linked to above-normal heat index values off the southern Andhra Pradesh coast. Understanding the factors contributing to this phenomenon involves delving into the intricacies of meteorology and oceanography.

Factors Influencing Cyclone Intensification
  1. Warm Ocean Temperatures: The foundation of cyclone development is laid upon warm ocean waters, serving as the energy source for their intensification.
  2. Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential (TCHP): TCHP measures the heat stored in the upper ocean layers, providing insights into a cyclone’s potential to strengthen.
  3. Atmospheric Conditions: Favorable atmospheric conditions, including low vertical wind shear and high humidity, create an environment conducive to cyclone intensification.
  4. Convection and Rossby Waves: These atmospheric phenomena play crucial roles in the organization and strengthening of cyclones.
  5. Air-Sea Interaction: The exchange of heat and moisture between the ocean and the atmosphere influences a cyclone’s behavior and intensity.
Important Points:
  • Cyclone Michaung Characteristics:
    • Unusual high intensity and occurrence in December.
    • Originally classified as a ‘tropical cyclone,’ quickly upgraded to a ‘severe’ storm.
    • Wind speeds range from 88 kph to 166 kph.
  • Factors Contributing to Intensification:
    • Above-normal heat index values off the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.
    • Unique intensification in December, contrary to the usual pattern in the North Indian Ocean.
  • Meteorological and Oceanographic Factors:
    • Warm ocean temperatures act as the energy source for cyclone development.
    • Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential (TCHP) measures stored heat in upper ocean layers.
    • Favorable atmospheric conditions, including low vertical wind shear and high humidity.
    • Convection and Rossby waves play crucial roles in cyclone organization and strengthening.
    • Air-sea interaction influences cyclone behavior and intensity.
  • Understanding Cyclones:
    • Large-scale weather systems characterized by low-pressure centers and rotating winds.
    • Known by different names regionally: hurricanes (Atlantic and eastern Pacific), typhoons (northwestern Pacific), tropical cyclones (southwestern Pacific and Indian Ocean).
  • Implications for Climate Science:
    • Michaung’s behavior provides valuable insights into changing weather dynamics in the North Indian Ocean.
    • Meteorologists and climate scientists can use this case to refine models and predictions for future cyclones in the region.
Why In News

Cyclone Michaung, heading towards the Andhra coast, is considered unusual due to its high intensity and timing in December, a month when storms in the North Indian Ocean typically don’t reach destructive levels; its uncharacteristic strength has raised concerns among meteorologists and local authorities preparing for unprecedented weather challenges.

MCQs about Cyclone Michaung

  1. What is unique about Cyclone Michaung ?
    A. Unusually low intensity in December
    B. Typical occurrence for a tropical cyclone
    C. Surprisingly high intensity for December
    D. Seasonal patterns in the North Indian Ocean
    Correct Answer: C. Surprisingly high intensity for December
    Explanation: The Cyclone Michaung’s unusual high intensity in December, contrary to the typical patterns in the North Indian Ocean during this month.
  2. Why was Cyclone Michaung upgraded to a ‘severe’ storm?
    A. Decrease in wind speeds
    B. Above-normal heat index values
    C. Favorable atmospheric conditions
    D. Normal December weather patterns
    Correct Answer: B. Above-normal heat index values
    Explanation: The intensification of Cyclone Michaung is attributed to above-normal heat index values off the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.
  3. What are the key factors influencing cyclone intensification ?
    A. Low ocean temperatures and high wind shear
    B. Atmospheric instability and low humidity
    C. Warm ocean temperatures, TCHP, atmospheric conditions, and air-sea interaction
    D. Convection and Rossby waves only
    Correct Answer: C. Warm ocean temperatures, TCHP, atmospheric conditions, and air-sea interaction
    Explanation: The essay outlines factors such as warm ocean temperatures, Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential (TCHP), atmospheric conditions, and air-sea interaction as contributors to cyclone intensification.
  4. What is the broader implication of understanding Cyclone Michaung’s behavior for climate science?
    A. No significant impact on climate science
    B. Valuable insights into changing weather dynamics in the North Indian Ocean
    C. Confirmation of typical cyclone patterns
    D. Limited relevance for meteorologists
    Correct Answer: B. Valuable insights into changing weather dynamics in the North Indian Ocean
    Explanation: The Michaung’s behavior provides valuable insights into changing weather dynamics in the North Indian Ocean, making it relevant for climate science and meteorological predictions.

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