Difference between tornado and cyclone

Last update: 22/05/2023
Author: Sebastian Vidal

Introduction

Atmospheric phenomena can be extremely dangerous and cause significant property and human damage. Two of these phenomena, the tornado and the cyclone, are often confused due to their similarity. However, there are important differences between the two.

Tornado

A tornado is an extremely violent weather phenomenon that occurs in an unstable atmosphere. The tornado is caused by the difference in temperature and humidity between two air masses. This difference in atmospheric pressure causes the air to heat up and rise. Next, the cold, moist air pushes down and meets the warm, dry air. This air collision produces a mid-air rotation and eventually a radial tornado.

Tornadoes are small changes in the atmosphere and impact very localized areas. These climatic phenomena tend to be more frequent in the USA, but they can be found in other parts of the world.

Tornado Key Features:

  • Rotation in the air
  • Localized impact
  • It is formed by a difference in temperature and humidity.
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Cyclone

A cyclone is a climatic phenomenon that occurs in the oceans and sea. It is a low atmospheric pressure system in which the winds rotate counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere and clockwise in the northern hemisphere. Depending on their geographical location, cyclones are called typhoons, hurricanes or cyclones.

Cyclones originate from the evaporation of water and the release of condensation, which raises the air temperature and creates low pressure on the sea surface. Cyclones are larger weather events than tornadoes and can affect large areas of land and water.

Cyclone Key Features:

  • Counterclockwise rotation in the southern hemisphere and clockwise in the northern hemisphere.
  • It originates from the evaporation of water and the release of condensation.
  • It impacts larger areas of land and water than a tornado.
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Conclusion

Although the tornado and cyclone appear similar to the naked eye, they are two very different atmospheric events. The tornado occurs in an unstable atmosphere and is a localized event, while the cyclone originates in the ocean and affects wider areas. Understanding the difference between these two weather events can help people adequately prepare and reduce the risk of damage and loss of life and property.