Cyclone Biparjoy, a tropical cyclone expected to make landfall with wind speeds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching up to 150 kmph, brings our attention to the destructive power of cyclones. To comprehend the nature of such storms and their importance in disaster management, it is crucial to explore the different types of cyclones and understand their characteristics.
What is a Cyclone?
A cyclone is a large-scale system of air that revolves around a low-pressure center, often accompanied by severe storms and adverse weather conditions.
Types of Cyclones:
Cyclones are broadly classified into two categories: extratropical cyclones and tropical cyclones.
A. Extratropical Cyclones:
- Also known as mid-latitude cyclones, extratropical cyclones occur outside the tropics.
- They derive their energy from the interaction of cold and warm air masses, resulting in the release of potential energy.
- These cyclones possess one or more fronts, which act as boundaries between different air masses, often occurring over land or ocean.
B. Tropical Cyclones:
- Tropical cyclones develop in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.
- They are the most devastating storms on Earth.
- Thunderstorm activity near the center of circulation triggers their formation.
- The cyclone’s core turns warm, and it derives its energy from the release of latent heat during the condensation of water vapor.
- Unlike extratropical cyclones, tropical cyclones do not have associated warm or cold fronts.
- Depending on their location and intensity, they are known as hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean. In the western North Pacific, they are called typhoons.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is India’s apex statutory body responsible for disaster management.
A. Establishment:
- The NDMA was formally constituted on September 27, 2006, through the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- The Prime Minister chairs the NDMA, which consists of nine other members, including a designated Vice-Chairperson.
- The act also mandated the creation of State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), headed by respective Chief Ministers and District Collectors/District Magistrates, respectively.
B. Roles and Responsibilities:
- The primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the State Government, but the NDMA provides an enabling environment for coordination between the center, state, and district authorities.
- India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), which establishes targets for disaster management.
Important Points:
- Cyclones: 🌀
- Large-scale systems of air that rotate around a low-pressure center.
- Accompanied by violent storms and bad weather.
- Classified into extratropical and tropical cyclones.
- Extratropical Cyclones: 🌬️
- Also known as mid-latitude cyclones.
- Occur outside of the tropics.
- Derive energy from the interaction of cold and warm air masses.
- Associated with one or more fronts, which are boundaries between air masses.
- Tropical Cyclones: 🌪️
- Develop in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.
- Most devastating storms on Earth.
- Formed by thunderstorm activity near the center of circulation.
- Energy derived from the release of latent heat during water vapor condensation.
- No associated warm or cold fronts.
- Known as hurricanes in certain regions and typhoons in the western North Pacific.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): 🏢
- India’s apex statutory body for disaster management.
- Established in 2006 through the Disaster Management Act.
- Headed by the Prime Minister and consists of nine members.
- Coordinates with State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
- Enabling environment for disaster management coordination between the center, state, and district.
- Roles and Responsibilities: 👥
- Primary responsibility for disaster management rests with State Governments.
- NDMA provides coordination and support.
- Signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) with set targets for disaster management.
Why In News
Cyclone Biparjoy, a formidable tropical cyclone, is forecasted to make landfall with wind speeds ranging from 125 to 135 kmph, accompanied by powerful gusts reaching up to 150 kmph. The anticipated intensity of this cyclone underscores the potential risks and necessitates heightened preparedness measures in the affected areas.
MCQs about Cyclones Types and Disaster Management
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What is the primary difference between extratropical and tropical cyclones?
A. Extratropical cyclones occur in the tropics, while tropical cyclones occur outside the tropics.
B. Extratropical cyclones have associated warm and cold fronts, while tropical cyclones do not.
C. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from warm ocean waters, while tropical cyclones derive their energy from the interaction of cold and warm air masses.
D. Extratropical cyclones are more destructive than tropical cyclones.
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Which region experiences hurricanes and typhoons?
A. Caribbean Sea
B. Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer
C. North Atlantic Ocean
D. All of the above
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What is the role of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)?
A. Conducting research on cyclones
B. Coordinating disaster management efforts
C. Providing weather forecasts during cyclones
D. Enforcing regulations for cyclone safety measures
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What is the main source of energy for tropical cyclones?
A. Cold air masses
B. Warm ocean waters
C. Thunderstorm activity
D. Interaction of warm and cold air masses
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