on each side of a hurricane the--
answer warm air sinks
Actually, on each side of a hurricane, you will find a different weather pattern. Let me explain how a hurricane works and why warm air sinks.
A hurricane is a large, rotating storm system that forms over warm ocean waters near the equator. It is characterized by powerful winds, heavy rain, and low atmospheric pressure at its center, known as the eye. In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes rotate counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate clockwise.
To understand the weather patterns on each side of a hurricane, we need to know about the circulation within the storm. At the center of a hurricane is an area of low pressure, where warm, moist air rises rapidly. This rising air creates a vertical column called the eyewall, where the strongest winds and most intense rainfall occur.
As the warm air rises, it starts to cool, causing the moisture within it to condense and form clouds. This release of heat further powers the hurricane, driving the circulation and creating more cloud formation. This is why hurricanes require warm ocean waters to form and strengthen.
On the sides of a hurricane, which are known as the outer bands, you will find a different weather pattern. Surrounding the eyewall, there is a region called the rainbands. In these rainbands, warm and moist air is drawn from the surrounding area, known as the inflow. As this air moves toward the center of the storm, it rises and condenses, causing heavy rainfall.
However, it's important to note that warm air doesn't sink on the sides of a hurricane. Instead, the rising motion of air in the eyewall and rainbands is more prominent. The sinking of air occurs in the high-pressure area around the hurricane, known as the subsidence zone. This sinking air is associated with clear skies and calm conditions.
To summarize, on the sides of a hurricane, you will find rising warm air in the rainbands, leading to cloud formation and heavy rainfall. In the high-pressure area surrounding the hurricane, where the sinking air occurs, you would expect clear skies and calm conditions.