A Comparative Analysis of Mid-Latitude and Tropical Cyclones

This report provides a comparative analysis of mid-latitude and tropical cyclones. It explores the key differences between these weather phenomena, including their formation processes, characteristics, and geographical distribution. The report discusses the role of frontal boundaries in mid-latitude cyclones, detailing their interaction with air masses and the resulting weather patterns. It also examines the nature of tropical cyclones, highlighting their association with warm water bodies, strong winds, and the “eye of the storm.” Furthermore, the report provides a comprehensive overview of their impacts, referencing relevant studies and providing a clear understanding of these powerful atmospheric systems. The analysis includes detailed information on the pressure systems, wind patterns, and associated weather events, providing a thorough comparison of the two types of cyclones.

Running head: GEOGRAPHY 1
Geography
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GEOGRAPHY 2
Geography
There are many differences between the mid-latitude cyclones and tropical cyclones. A
mid-latitude cyclone is a system of low pressure and is characterized by frontal boundaries which
can either be warm or cold. The system moves along the ar front and its rotation is always in the
counterclockwise direction if it is located in the northern hemisphere. The cyclones have a strong
westerly flow which sees them travelling from the west to the east. The diameters of these mid-
latitude cyclones can be as large as 2,000 kilometres (Christopherson, & Birkeland, 1998). The
surface pressure can be 970 millibars for the intense cyclones (Christopherson, & Birkeland,
1998). The average cyclone has a 1013 millibar sea-level pressure. In general, a frontal cyclone
has a lifespan of between 3 and 10 days (Christopherson, & Birkeland, 1998). These type of
cyclones occur as a result of interactions between cold masses of air from the polar front and
warm air masses from the tropics. The interaction between the air masses results in the vertical
lifting of the warm air to the atmosphere. At this level, the mass of air combines with the colder
air from the upper atmosphere. Any excess energy from low latitudes will then be transported to
the higher altitudes during the process.
Tropical cyclones can be defined as massive storms forming over warm water bodies
located in the tropical regions. The storms have very strong winds that spiral from the centre
which is of low air pressure. The centre is defined as the “eye of the storm” (Wang, Wang,
Weisberg, & Black, 2017). The tropical cyclones travel along with extremely strong winds.
Moreover, the tropical cyclones bring about heavy rains and the strong winds cause rough seas
when they are moving across water bodies. Depending on their location, the tropical cyclones
may sometimes be called typhoons or hurricanes.

GEOGRAPHY 3
References
Christopherson, R. W., & Birkeland, G. H. (1998). Elemental geosystems. Prentice Hall.
Wang, C., Wang, X., Weisberg, R. H., & Black, M. L. (2017). Variability of tropical cyclone
rapid intensification in the North Atlantic and its relationship with climate variations.
Climate Dynamics, 49(11-12), 3627-3645.