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Chapter 3: Problem 21

What is the atmospheric pressure at the eye of a tropical cyclone? A. very high because of converging winds B. very high because of sinking warm air C. very low because of rising warm air D. very low because of dense sinking air

Short Answer

Expert verified
C. very low because of rising warm air

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Eye of a Tropical Cyclone

The eye of a tropical cyclone is a region at the center of the storm characterized by calm weather and clear skies. Understanding the dynamics of this area is crucial for determining the atmospheric pressure.
02

Identify Wind Patterns

In a tropical cyclone, winds converge towards the center and then rise. The center of the storm (the eye) typically has minimal wind activity compared to the surrounding areas.
03

Analyze the Air Movement

The air within the eye of the cyclone is generally warm and rises due to convection. This rise of warm air decreases the atmospheric pressure at the surface.
04

Determine the Pressure

Since rising warm air is associated with lower atmospheric pressure, the eye of the tropical cyclone has very low pressure compared to other areas.
05

Choose the Correct Answer

By understanding the conditions in the eye of a tropical cyclone, the correct answer is C. very low because of rising warm air.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

tropical cyclone eye
The tropical cyclone eye is the calm center of a storm. It's surrounded by the eyewall, which is a ring of intense thunderstorms where the strongest winds occur. Inside the eye, the weather is remarkably tranquil. Skies may even clear up, and winds are light. This contrast happens because the air within the eye is descending, which inhibits cloud formation and precipitation.
atmospheric pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere. It plays a vital role in weather patterns. In the eye of a tropical cyclone, the atmospheric pressure is notably lower than in surrounding areas. This lower pressure is due to the rising warm air within the cyclone. As the warm air ascends, it leaves less air to exert pressure at ground level, resulting in very low atmospheric pressure.
convection currents
Convection currents form when warm air rises and cooler air sinks. These currents drive many weather phenomena, including tropical cyclones. In a cyclone, warm moist air near the ocean surface rises rapidly. As this air ascends, it cools and condenses to form clouds and rain, releasing heat in the process. This heat release further fuels the rise of more warm air, creating a continuous cycle. These convection currents are essential in maintaining the structure and strength of a tropical cyclone.
wind patterns in cyclones
Wind patterns in cyclones are crucial for understanding their behavior. Cyclones feature rotating wind patterns due to the Coriolis effect caused by Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, they rotate counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate clockwise. Winds in a tropical cyclone spiral inward towards the center. Near the surface, these winds converge and ascend around the eyewall, creating severe weather. However, within the eye itself, wind activity drastically decreases, leading to the relatively calm conditions observed there.

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