Cyclones are characterized by rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area. In the Northern Hemisphere, the air circulates in an anticlockwise direction, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it circulates clockwise. Cyclones are typically associated with violent storms and adverse weather conditions.
The term “Cyclone” finds its origin in the Greek word “Cyclos,” meaning the coils of a snake. Henry Peddington coined the term, inspired by the resemblance of tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea to coiled serpents of the sea.
Cyclones are not exclusive to Earth; they have also been observed on other planets such as Mars, Jupiter, and Neptune. Notably, Jupiter features the Great Red Spot, a long-standing hurricane that has persisted for 340 years. Additionally, a phenomenon known as the Great Black Spot was identified in the Southern Hemisphere of Neptune. This topic finds its way in the UPSC CSE Prelims exam every year due to its geographical significance and the damages and the mitigation efforts caused by this phenomenon creates a long standing impact on the society and economy of the Nation. Here is a list of 7 most important cyclones that were created in the previous year that are most relevant for UPSC exam:
- Biparjoy
Why in News?
Cyclone Biparjoy formed in the southeast Arabian Sea on June 6, 2023, becoming the first cyclone in the region for the year. It rapidly intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm on June 6th and 7th. The cyclone moved northward until June 14, then shifted to a north-northeast trajectory, making landfall near Jakhau Port (Kutch) on June 15. The impact included heavy rains and flash flooding in coastal areas of India and Pakistan, with the storm later moving towards Rajasthan after hitting Gujarat.
Take a glimpse of these as well: How cyclones are named? , Why are cyclones formed majorly in the Bay of bengal as compared to The Arabian Sea,Ports in Gujarat,Gir National Park.
2. Mandous
Why in News?
Cyclone Mandous, originating in the Bay of Bengal, landed near Mamallapuram, 30 km from Chennai, on December 9, 2022. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, on December 14, 2022, Cyclone Mandous struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the coast of Chennai as a severe cyclonic storm, marking the third such storm of the year 2022.
Take a glimpse of these as well: Mamallapuram group of monuments,national parks and wildlife sanctuaries hit by the storm,Sriharikota.
3. Mocha
Why in News?
Cyclone Mocha wreaked havoc in Bangladesh and Myanmar. It hit Myanmar’s Rakhine state near Sittwe township with winds reaching up to 209 kilometers per hour. Before reaching Myanmar, the storm caused damage and injuries on Bangladesh’s Saint Martin’s Island. Fortunately, it changed course away from
Bangladesh’s shores before making landfall. India’s Meteorological Department observed Mocha’s intensification into a very severe cyclonic storm, issuing warnings to fishermen and trawlers to avoid venturing far into the Bay.
Take a glimpse of these as well: Sittwe port,Rakhine province and the Rohingya issue.
4. Michaung
Why in News?
On December 5, Cyclone Michaung struck Nellore in Andhra Pradesh as a super-cyclonic storm. The day prior, the weather system had already brought heavy rainfall of 150-200 mm to northern Tamil Nadu.
Take a glimpse of these as well: Urban flooding,Water bodies of the region.
5. Twin cyclones Tej and Hamoon
Why in News?
Cyclone Hamoon, categorized as a very severe Bay of Bengal cyclone, exhibited unprecedented behavior by changing classifications four times within 24 hours before making landfall as a cyclonic storm near midnight on October 24-25, 2023, south of Chattogram, Bangladesh.
The potential weakening of cyclone Tej in the Arabian Sea may have played a role in the strengthening of Cyclone Hamoon in the Bay of Bengal. Twin cyclonic systems often demonstrate an inverse relationship, with one system gaining strength as the other weakens.
Take a glimpse of these as well: The concept of twin cyclones, Why are Cyclonic activities rising in the Arabian sea.
6. Sitrang
Why in News?
Recently, Cyclone Sitrang struck southern Bangladesh, resulting in a death toll of 35 and leaving millions without power. This cyclone marks the first tropical cyclone of the post-monsoon season in 2022. Additionally, it played a role in Delhi experiencing its cleanest post-Diwali air since 2015.
Take a glimpse of these as well: Factors of pollution in Delhi and surrounding region during winters.
7. Cyclone Freddy
Why in News?
Tropical Cyclone Freddy has recently broken records, becoming the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, as confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization. Formerly known as Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Freddy, it surpassed Hurricane John’s 1994 record with a duration of over 31 days. Additionally, Freddy holds the record for the highest accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) among tropical cyclones, surpassing Hurricane Ioke’s previous record of 82. This historic cyclone, initially impacting the Mascarene Islands, Madagascar, and Mozambique in February 2023, has made its second landfall in Mozambique. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology, serving as a WMO regional center, officially named the cyclone Freddy.
Take a glimpse of these as well: African Union,Mozambique channel,Madagascar.
In essence, the study of these cyclones extends beyond meteorological curiosity; it is a critical lens through which we observe the fragility of our ecosystems and the pressing need for collective efforts to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate. As we move forward, staying informed and fostering a global perspective on weather-related challenges will be key to building resilient communities and a sustainable future. Also, the relevance of this topic for UPSC Prelims and Mains both is unparalleled.