Rapid Intensification made AMPHAN a Super Cyclone
The Cyclone ‘Amphan’ has intensified from a severe cyclonic storm to a Super Cyclone. This has happened in less than 40 hours.
Highlights
The rapid intensification of Amphan into a Super Cyclone is mainly because of rapid warming up of Bay of Bengal. The following are the main reasons that led to rapid intensification of the cyclone
- High Sea Surface Temperature
- Enough Moisture in the middle layers of the atmosphere
- Low Vertical Shear Winds
When does Rapid Intensification occur?
Rapid Intensification of a cyclone occurs when there is increase of sustained winds that blow at a speed of 55 km/hr. Rapid Intensification is common in case of hurricanes, so far not in case of cyclones.
Difference between hurricanes and cyclones
Both hurricanes and cyclones are tropical cyclones. They are named differently based on their region of formation. Cyclones are formed in South Pacific and Indian Oceans. On the other hand, hurricanes are formed in North Atlantic, Eastern and Central Pacific Oceans.
History
Scientists believe that Rapid Intensification might become common among the cyclones in the future. Earlier, Rapid Intensification was observed in cyclone Vayu. However, the main issue is that there is lack of data about rapid intensification rates of cyclone in India.
The two other major Super Cyclones that hit India were Cyclone Gonu in 2007 and Cyclone Kyarr in 2019.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020