Homework Help: Science: Earth: Cyclones

A cyclone is often called a "low" or low central atmospheric pressure relative to the surrounding pressure. The resulting pressure gradient, combined with the corious effect, causes air to circulate about the center, or core, in a counterclockwise direction north of the equator and a clockwise direction south of it. The frictional drag on near surface air moving over land or water causes it to spiral inward toward lower pressures; this movement is compensated for near the center by rising currents, which are cooled by expansion which they reach the lower pressures of higher altitudes. The cooling, in turn, characteristically increases the relative humidity greatly and produces cloudiness.

Homework Help: Science: Earth

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