Cyclone vs. Typhoon
What is Difference between Cyclone and Typhoon? Cyclone, hurricane and typhoon are terms that are closely related and at the same time have their differences. The three terms refer to the same but are used depending on the different areas or geographical areas. Let’s take a look at the definitions of these oceanic phenomena, in order to understand the difference between cyclone and typhoon.
Difference between Cyclone and Typhoon
Cyclone
In meteorology, cyclones are defined as intense winds that are maintained in a closed circulation. This natural phenomenon is characterized by the winds moving in a circular way in the same direction as the Earth. Cyclones have high pressure on the outside and low on the inside. The center is generally known as “the eye” and has the lowest atmospheric pressure.
On the other hand, a tropical cyclone (produced in the tropics. This term refers to cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes in general sense) is generally fed by the heat that is released when the humid air rises; resulting in the condensation of water vapor.
Depending on the size and intensity of the cyclone, the wind speed can be from 119 km / h to 249 km / h. They are measured on a scale of 1 to 5; being the latter in which the most dangerous cyclones are located.
There are different types of cyclones, among which we can mention: extra tropical, subtropical and tropical; under suitable conditions, cyclones can make a transition between these phases. They are considered as oceanic phenomena, as they can die on the ground due to the loss of moisture, but still manage to cause destruction due to wind and rain.
Cyclones can reach a diameter of hundreds of kilometers and are composed of several dozen convective storms. They also have the potential to become tornadoes.
Typhoon
Typhoons are the names that receive the same storms described above, but in the Pacific Northwest (especially in China and the Philippines). In these areas, the cyclonic season covers most of the year; but is more intense from May to November.
Finally, clicks, hurricanes or typhoons can be located using aircraft, radars (Doppler radar) and satellites. While determining how strong the cyclone, typhoon, hurricane; scales such as the Beaufort scale and the Saffir- Simpson scale are used. Depending on the countries, these scales may vary.
So the Key differences between typhoon and cyclone is only thing that varies is the name, depending on the region or geographical area. It is called the typhoon in the Pacific Northwest. Cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Hurricane, in the Caribbean Sea, Northeast, Atlantic Ocean and Central Pacific.
