Thunderstorms Cyclone Causes - Effects of Hurricanes

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:59 PM IST

In this article we will be studying about cyclone, what is a cyclone, cyclone meaning, cyclone definition, causes of cyclone, effects of cyclone, what is storm, precautions of cyclone and define thunderstorm.

Introduction of Cyclone

The term Cyclone is derived from the Greek word Cyclos which means the coils of a snake.

What is a cyclone?

A cyclone is a low pressure area where the winds spiral inwards. Cyclone rotates in counter clockwise direction in Northern Hemisphere. It is clockwise in Southern Hemisphere. The other names for cyclones are Typhoon and Hurricane.

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What is a cyclone?
Cyclone Information/Explain Cyclone
Causes of Cyclone/ How does cyclone occurs?/What causes a Cyclone[Causes of Tropical Cyclone]?
Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms Cyclone Causes - Effects of Hurricanes

Cyclone Information/Explain Cyclone

What is the meaning of cyclone?

Cyclone meaning in English is depression.[ About Cyclone in English]

Cyclone meaning in Telugu is తీవ్రమైన గాలి తుఫాను

Cyclone meaning in Gujarati is ચક્રવાત(Cakravāta)

Cyclone definition[Tropical Cyclone Definition]/Cyclone meaning:

In meteorology, a cyclone is tropical system in which the atmospheric winds rotate inwards to a low-pressure area at the centre. It can be clockwise and anticlockwise depending upon the Southern and Northern Hemisphere.

Cyclone Diagram[Diagram tropical cyclone]

Tropical Cyclone Diagram

Causes of Cyclone/ How does cyclone occurs?/What causes a Cyclone[Causes of Tropical Cyclone]?

The causes of cyclone are as follows:-

The below mentioned points will also give the answer to the question why cyclone occurs? The causes of cyclone in points are:-

Cyclone is caused at low pressure areas.
Cyclone occurs at the equator.
Cyclone is caused by the rising of warm air above the surface of sea.
When the warm air rises, the cold air rushes to the empty space.
Then the cold air gets heated up and again rises in the atmosphere.
This process (Cyclone Cycle) takes place continuously.
This process of rapid rising of hot air creates an eye at the centre of the cyclone.
Similarly, the low pressure area gets filled by the high pressure winds.

Hence, this is how cyclone occurs. The above mentioned points explain the causes of Cyclone.

Formation of cyclone Diagram

Formation of cyclone Diagram

Effects of Cyclone

Impact of cyclone/Consequences of Cyclone

The effects of cyclone can be devastating.

Here are the effects of cyclone in points

Cyclone can cause damage to lives
Cyclone can cause damage to property.
Cyclone can be responsible for flash flood which is accompanied by heavy rainfall.

Also, effects of cyclone on human life can be destructive.

Precautions of Cyclone

Here is the list of 5 precautions of cyclone that is needed to be taken.

Ensure that the house is in good condition before the cyclone.
Keep all the required materials like food, water, batteries, candles, etc prepared in advance of the cyclone.
During the cyclone, stay inside the house and secure the doors and windows.
At the time of cyclone, to avoid short circuiting, turn off all the electrical appliances. Also turn off the gas.
Take all the cyclone related warnings seriously. Stay updated with the latest cyclone news and weather forecasting.

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics

This ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET exams, specifically designed to assist students in light of recent changes and the removal of certain topics from the NEET exam.

Download E-book

These are the precautions of cyclone class 7

Q. How long does a cyclone last?

ANS. An average cyclone life is 9 days.

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Where is cyclone?

It is called-

In Eastern Pacific and Atlantic – hurricane
In Southeast Asia- typhoon
In Western Pacific (around Australia) and in the Indian ocean- cyclone.

Parts of Cyclone

There are 3 parts of cyclone

The eye [The eye is the centre of the cyclone]
The eyewall
Rainband

NOTE: There are 5 categories of cyclone among which Category 5 cyclone is the most destructive one

We can put all the information that we have studied in the cyclone ppt/ cyclone slideshare. And it is a more convenient and interactive way to learn.

Cyclone Movement

The winds (or the Cyclonic winds) travel at all places except for the equatorial belt.

Also read : NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 15 Some Natural Phenomena

What is storm?

A storm is a powerful atmospheric disturbance. Storms are common event that occur on Earth. Storms also occur on other planets, too.

Causes of Storm/ How are storms formed?

What causes storms? Storms are created when a low pressure system develops at the centre and the high pressure system surrounds it. The opposing forces creates winds, eventually causing the Storm.

EXAMPLES OF CYCLONE-

 Atlantic hurricane. Pacific hurricane. Pacific typhoon.

Types of storms

Types of storms are as follows:-

Thunderstorms
Tornadoes
Hurricanes

Effects of Storms

The effects of storms are:-

Strong winds
High rainfall
Storm
Buildings and bridges can be destroyed
Roads, railways, power cables & telephone lines can become damaged.
Water and sewage supplies are affected.

NCERT Physics Notes:

Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm meaning in Telugu is తుఫాను (Tuphānu)

Thunderstorm meaning in Gujarati is વાવાઝોડું(Vāvājhōḍuṁ)

Thunderstorms require 3 main ingredients: moisture, unstable air and lift.

Define Thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm definition: It means a storm with thunder and lightning and it is also accompanied by heavy rainfall.

What causes Thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms require 3 main ingredients: moisture, unstable air and lift.

Effects of Thunderstorms

Heavy rains
Strong winds
Lightning, and tornadoes
Damage to homes and property

Hurricane

Hurricane meaning in telugu is చండమారుతము

Hurricane meaning in gujarati is વાવાઝોડું(Vāvājhōḍuṁ)

Effects of Hurricanes- Same as cyclone

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is mean by cyclone? / Cyclone Definition Simple OR What do you mean by Cyclone?/ What is a cyclone for kids.

Cyclone is tropical system in which the atmospheric winds rotate inwards to a low-pressure area at the centre.

2. Cyclone causes and effects? Or Why do Cyclones occur and What are the effects of Cyclone?

Cause- The process of rapid rising of hot air at the centre.

Effect- loss of lives & properties.

3. Short note on Cyclone./ Cyclone Details/ What is Cyclone short answer/ Paragraph on Cyclone.

Cyclone is tropical system in which the atmospheric winds rotate inwards to a low-pressure area at the centre.

4. How are cyclones caused?/ Causes of cyclone pdf / Explain the formation of a cyclone./ How do storms form?/ Cyclone forming./ Reason for cyclone.

Cyclone is caused by the process of rapid rising of hot air at the centre.

5. Storms and Cyclones.

Cyclone is tropical system in which the atmospheric winds rotate inwards to a low-pressure area at the centre.

Whereas A storm is a powerful atmospheric disturbance. Storms are common event that occur on Earth. Storms also occur on other planets,too.

6. Causes of cyclone in India & Effects of cyclone in India /Cyclone effect in India.

Cause- The process of rapid rising of hot air at the centre.

Effect- loss of lives & properties

7. Difference between Thunderstorm and Cyclone/ Thunderstorm and Cyclone.

Cyclone is tropical system in which the atmospheric winds rotate inwards to a low-pressure area at the centre. Whereas thunderstorm is a storm with thunder and lightning and it is also accompanied by heavy rainfall.

8. How a thunderstorm becomes a cyclone.

When water vapour changes its state back to liquid form (raindrops), it releases heat to the atmosphere. This heat warms the air around. The heated air tends to rise. Hence, we see a drop in pressure. As a result more air rushes to the centre of the storm. Consequently, forming the cyclone.

9. Why do hurricanes always rotate?

Hurricanes rotate due to the Coriolis effect, caused by Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes rotate counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate clockwise. This rotation helps the storm maintain its structure and intensity.

10. Can hurricanes form over land?

Hurricanes cannot form over land, as they require warm ocean water to develop and maintain their strength. However, once formed, hurricanes can move over land, though they typically weaken quickly without the energy source from warm ocean waters.

11. What's the relationship between air pressure and hurricane strength?

The lower the air pressure at the center of a hurricane, the stronger the storm. Low pressure causes air to rise rapidly, fueling the storm's development. Meteorologists use central pressure as one way to measure a hurricane's intensity.

12. What role does water vapor play in hurricane formation?

Water vapor is crucial for hurricane formation. As warm, moist air rises, the water vapor condenses into clouds, releasing latent heat. This heat further warms the air, causing it to rise more, creating a self-sustaining cycle that powers the hurricane.

13. How do hurricanes affect ocean levels?

Hurricanes can cause storm surges, which are abnormal rises in sea level. The low pressure at the storm's center and strong winds push water toward the shore, causing flooding in coastal areas. This is often the most destructive aspect of a hurricane.

14. What's the difference between a hurricane, typhoon, and cyclone?

These are all the same type of storm, just named differently based on where they occur. Hurricanes form in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoons in the Northwest Pacific, and cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

15. What is the "eye" of a hurricane?

The eye is the calm center of a hurricane, characterized by light winds and clear skies. It's surrounded by the eyewall, which contains the storm's strongest winds and heaviest rainfall. The eye forms as air sinks in the storm's center, creating a area of low pressure.

16. How do hurricanes get their names?

Hurricanes are named by meteorological organizations to easily identify and track them. Names are chosen from predetermined lists that alternate between male and female names. If a hurricane causes significant damage or loss of life, its name is retired and replaced.

17. How do hurricanes impact marine ecosystems?

Hurricanes can significantly disrupt marine ecosystems. They can mix cooler deep water with warmer surface water, affecting water temperature and salinity. This can impact marine life, coral reefs, and even cause algal blooms. Strong waves and currents can also physically damage underwater habitats.

18. How do scientists predict hurricane paths?

Scientists use complex computer models that consider factors like wind patterns, ocean temperatures, and atmospheric conditions to predict hurricane paths. These models analyze data from satellites, weather stations, and aircraft to create forecasts, though predictions become less accurate the further into the future they go.

19. What causes thunderstorms to form?

Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises rapidly in the atmosphere. As this air cools and condenses, it creates clouds and releases heat, which further fuels the storm's growth. The rising air also creates electrical charges that eventually lead to lightning and thunder.

20. How do hurricanes differ from regular thunderstorms?

Hurricanes are much larger and more powerful than regular thunderstorms. They form over warm ocean waters, have a distinct eye at the center, and can last for days or weeks. Regular thunderstorms are typically smaller, shorter-lived, and can form over land or water.

21. How do hurricanes form "hot towers"?

"Hot towers" are tall thunderstorms within a hurricane that release large amounts of latent heat. They form when warm, moist air rises rapidly, condensing and releasing heat. This process intensifies the storm by lowering the pressure at its center and increasing wind speeds.

22. How do hurricanes affect global weather patterns?

Hurricanes can influence global weather patterns by redistributing heat and moisture in the atmosphere. They can alter jet streams, affect pressure systems far from their location, and even impact weather in distant regions by modifying large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns.

23. What role does the jet stream play in hurricane movement?

The jet stream, a fast-moving air current in the upper atmosphere, can influence hurricane movement and intensity. It can steer hurricanes, affecting their path, and sometimes create wind shear that can weaken or even dissipate storms.

24. How do hurricanes affect the Earth's rotation?

While the effect is minuscule, hurricanes can slightly affect Earth's rotation. The redistribution of mass as the storm moves water and air around can cause tiny changes in the planet's rotation speed, similar to how a figure skater's spin rate changes when they extend or retract their arms.

25. What is the "dirty side" of a hurricane?

The "dirty side" of a hurricane refers to the right side of the storm (in the Northern Hemisphere) relative to its direction of movement. This side typically has stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and a higher risk of tornadoes due to the combination of the storm's rotation and forward motion.

26. How do hurricanes affect wildlife?

Hurricanes can have significant impacts on wildlife. Strong winds can blow birds off course or destroy nests. Flooding can displace land animals and alter habitats. However, some species have adapted to hurricanes, and these storms can sometimes benefit ecosystems by dispersing seeds or creating new habitats.

27. What's the connection between climate change and hurricane intensity?

Climate change is expected to increase hurricane intensity due to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for storms. While the frequency of hurricanes may not necessarily increase, the proportion of high-intensity storms is likely to grow, potentially leading to more destructive hurricanes.

28. What causes the distinctive spiral shape of hurricanes?

The spiral shape of hurricanes is caused by the Coriolis effect and the storm's rotation. As air flows into the low-pressure center, it's deflected by Earth's rotation, creating the characteristic spiral bands of clouds and rain around the eye.

29. What's the difference between hurricane categories?

Hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson scale from 1 to 5, based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. Each category represents a significant increase in potential damage, with Category 5 hurricanes (winds 157 mph or higher) capable of catastrophic destruction.

30. How do hurricanes generate storm surges?

Storm surges are generated by a combination of low air pressure at the hurricane's center and strong winds pushing water toward the shore. The low pressure causes the water level to rise, while the wind piles up water, creating a dome of water that can inundate coastal areas.

31. How do hurricanes affect ocean temperatures?

Hurricanes can significantly cool the ocean surface by mixing warm surface water with cooler water from deeper layers. This cooling effect can persist for weeks after the hurricane passes and can influence subsequent storm development in the area.

32. What is the "rapid intensification" of a hurricane?

Rapid intensification occurs when a hurricane's maximum sustained winds increase by at least 35 mph in a 24-hour period. This phenomenon, which is becoming more common with climate change, can make hurricanes particularly dangerous as it leaves less time for preparation and evacuation.

33. How do hurricanes create tornadoes?

Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes, particularly in their outer rainbands. These tornadoes form due to the wind shear (change in wind speed or direction with height) present in hurricanes, which can cause rotation in thunderstorms embedded within the hurricane's structure.

34. What is the "Brown Ocean Effect" in hurricanes?

The "Brown Ocean Effect" refers to the unusual phenomenon where a hurricane maintains or even gains strength over land, contrary to the typical weakening. This can occur when the land is saturated with moisture, providing a source of warm, moist air similar to that over the ocean.

35. How do hurricanes affect the ozone layer?

Hurricanes can impact the ozone layer by injecting water vapor high into the stratosphere. This can lead to chemical reactions that deplete ozone. Additionally, the storm's updrafts can transport ozone-depleting substances from the lower atmosphere to the stratosphere.

36. What is the role of vertical wind shear in hurricane development?

Vertical wind shear, the change in wind speed or direction with height, can significantly impact hurricane development. Strong wind shear can disrupt a hurricane's structure, weakening it or preventing it from forming. Low wind shear is generally favorable for hurricane intensification.

37. How do hurricanes affect ocean currents?

Hurricanes can temporarily alter ocean currents due to their strong winds and the mixing of water layers. They can intensify or redirect existing currents and even create temporary new currents. These changes can impact marine life and potentially influence climate patterns.

38. What is the "Fujiwhara effect" in hurricane behavior?

The Fujiwhara effect occurs when two nearby cyclonic vortices (like hurricanes) orbit each other and eventually merge. This interaction can affect the path and intensity of both storms, potentially leading to unexpected changes in hurricane trajectories.

39. How do hurricanes affect soil and agriculture?

Hurricanes can have both positive and negative effects on soil and agriculture. While they can cause erosion and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, they also bring heavy rainfall that can alleviate drought conditions. The high winds can damage crops, but the rain can also replenish soil moisture and groundwater.

40. What is the role of upper-level divergence in hurricane intensification?

Upper-level divergence, where air spreads out at the top of the hurricane, is crucial for storm intensification. It helps maintain the low pressure at the storm's center by removing air from the column, which in turn enhances the inflow of air at the surface, strengthening the storm's circulation.

41. What is the "beta effect" in hurricane movement?

The beta effect refers to the tendency of hurricanes to move poleward and westward due to the variation of the Coriolis effect with latitude. This effect plays a role in the characteristic tracks of hurricanes, often causing them to curve away from the equator as they move.

42. How do hurricanes influence long-term coastal geomorphology?

Hurricanes can significantly impact coastal landscapes over time. They can erode beaches, create new inlets, and deposit sediment inland. In some cases, they can even build up coastal features like barrier islands. These changes can have long-lasting effects on coastal ecosystems and human settlements.

43. What is the role of sea surface temperature anomalies in hurricane formation?

Sea surface temperature anomalies, or areas where ocean temperatures are warmer or cooler than average, can significantly influence hurricane formation and intensity. Warmer-than-normal waters provide more energy for storm development, while cooler anomalies can inhibit hurricane formation or weaken existing storms.

44. How do hurricanes affect the thermocline in oceans?

Hurricanes can dramatically affect the ocean's thermocline, the layer where water temperature changes rapidly with depth. The storm's strong winds and waves mix the upper layers of the ocean, potentially deepening the thermocline and altering the distribution of heat in the water column.

45. What is the "stadium effect" in a hurricane's eye?

The "stadium effect" refers to the appearance of a hurricane's eye when viewed from inside. The eyewall clouds slope outward with height, creating a circular opening that resembles a sports stadium. This effect is most pronounced in intense hurricanes with well-defined eyes.

46. How do hurricanes affect the carbon cycle?

Hurricanes can impact the carbon cycle in several ways. They can increase carbon uptake in the ocean by mixing surface and deep waters, stimulate plant growth through increased rainfall, and cause the release of carbon from damaged vegetation. These effects can have both short-term and long-term implications for carbon balance.

47. What is the role of African easterly waves in Atlantic hurricane formation?

African easterly waves are areas of low air pressure that move westward off the African coast. These waves serve as the "seeds" for many Atlantic hurricanes, providing the initial disturbance that can develop into a tropical cyclone if conditions are favorable.

48. How do hurricanes affect coral reefs?

Hurricanes can have devastating effects on coral reefs. Strong waves can break coral structures, while sediment stirred up by the storm can smother corals. However, hurricanes can also benefit reefs by lowering water temperatures during heat waves and dispersing coral larvae to new areas.

49. What is the "warm core" of a hurricane?

The warm core is a key feature of hurricanes, distinguishing them from other types of storms. It refers to the area of warm air at the center of the storm, extending from the surface to high altitudes. This warm core is crucial for maintaining the hurricane's low-pressure center and overall structure.

50. How do hurricanes affect the stratosphere?

Hurricanes can impact the stratosphere by injecting water vapor and other substances high into the atmosphere. This can lead to chemical reactions affecting ozone levels and potentially influence climate patterns. The storm's powerful updrafts can also generate gravity waves that propagate into the stratosphere.

51. What is the role of latent heat release in hurricane intensification?

Latent heat release is crucial for hurricane intensification. As warm, moist air rises and cools, water vapor condenses into clouds, releasing heat. This heat further warms the air, causing it to rise more rapidly, which in turn leads to more condensation and heat release, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that powers the storm.

52. How do hurricanes affect ocean salinity?

Hurricanes can significantly alter ocean salinity patterns. Heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes can create a layer of less saline water at the ocean surface. Conversely, the storm's strong winds can mix the water column, potentially bringing saltier water from deeper layers to the surface.

53. What is the "eyewall replacement cycle" in hurricanes?

The eyewall replacement cycle is a process where a hurricane develops a new eyewall outside of its original one. As the new eyewall contracts, it eventually replaces the old one. This cycle can cause fluctuations in the storm's intensity and is most common in intense hurricanes.

54. How do hurricanes affect phytoplankton blooms?

Hurricanes can trigger phytoplankton blooms by bringing nutrient-rich water from deeper ocean layers to the surface through upwelling and mixing. These blooms can be visible from space and can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems and the carbon cycle.

55. What is the role of upper-level troughs in hurricane movement and intensity?

Upper-level troughs, areas of low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes, can significantly influence hurricane movement and intensity. They can steer hurricanes, potentially altering their path. Depending on their position relative to the hurricane, troughs can either enhance or inhibit the storm's development.

56. How do hurricanes affect groundwater systems?

Hurricanes can have complex effects on groundwater systems. Heavy rainfall can recharge aquifers, raising water tables. However, storm surge in coastal areas can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers. The flooding caused by hurricanes can also contaminate groundwater with pollutants.

57. What is the "annular hurricane" and how does it differ from typical hurricanes?

An annular hurricane is a rare type of hurricane with a large, symmetric eye surrounded by a thick ring of intense thunderstorms, but lacking the spiral rainbands typical of most hurricanes. These storms tend to maintain their intensity longer and are less affected by environmental factors that typically weaken hurricanes.

58. How do hurricanes contribute to long-distance seed dispersal?

Hurricanes can play a significant role in long-distance seed dispersal, a process known as "hurricane-mediated seed dispersal." Strong winds can carry seeds, spores, and small organisms over great distances, potentially introducing species to new areas and influencing biodiversity patterns across regions.