the same phenomenon with different name and different intensity

The rainy season has started and, according to the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh), during this time several low pressure systems affect the national territory, which will cause a Increase in rains and moisture in different regions.

This increase in climatological phenomena is also due to the beginning of the cyclone season, which, according to the National Hurricane Center of the United States, begins in different phases. The hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean begins on June 1 and extends until November 30, while in the Pacific Ocean it begins on May 15 and ends on November 30.

However, many people wonder: what is a cyclone, a hurricane, a typhoon and a tropical depression?

Cyclone, hurricane, typhoon and tropical depression

According to Paris Rivera, expert of the Guatemalan Meteorological Service of the Mariano Gálvez University, the cyclones are Low atmospheric pressure systems that are formed in tropical areas and are characterized by strong winds that revolve in the opposite direction to the clock needles in the northern hemisphere (and in a schedule in the south). Its energy comes from the heat of the ocean and can generate heavy rains, destructive winds and coastal floods.

Although they seem different rain phenomena, a cyclone, a hurricane, a typhoon and a tropical depression are the same phenomenon. His only difference is the intensity they reach, says Rivera.

Intensity

Depending on their intensity, tropical cyclones are classified into three main categories:

• Tropical depression: maximum sustained winds under 63 km/h.
• Tropical storm: winds between 63 and 118 km/h.
• Hurricane or typhoon: sustained winds of 119 km/ho more.

Definition according to the region

Rivera also explains that the term used to refer to these phenomena varies according to the region:

• In the North Atlantic and the northeastern Pacific they are called hurricanes.
• In the Northwest Pacific (near Asia) they are called typhons.
• In the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific the term tropical cyclone is used.

Although different names, hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones are used are the same weather phenomenon, appointed differently according to the planet’s region, says the expert.

Hurricane classifications

According to the Saffir-Simpson scale, used to measure the Hurricanes intensity based on wind speedthese can be classified into five categories:

• Category 1: From 119 to 153 kilometers per hour.
• Category 2: From 154 to 177 kilometers per hour.
• Category 3: from 178 to 209 kilometers per hour.
• Category 4: 210 to 249 kilometers per hour.
• Category 5: 250 kilometers per hour or more.

The NOAA National Hurricane Center, in the United States, indicates that the average diameter of the eye of a hurricane – the center of the phenomenon, where the pressure is lower and the temperature is higher – can extend up to 48 kilometers, although some eyes of up to 200 kilometers wide have been recorded.

How has global warming impact on these phenomena?

According to National Geographicin recent years scientists have debated if Global warming It has caused more intense or frequent hurricanes.

“In theory, the increase in temperatures in the atmosphere produces a heating of the sea surface, which in turn contributes to generating stronger hurricanes,” the publication cites.

He also points out that hurricanes of category 4 and 5 doubled throughout the world between the early 1970s and the beginning of the 21st century.

Given this situation, many worldwide experts discuss whether the first category 6 hurricane is registered in the coming years. National Geographic.