Difference between Cyclone and Anticyclone?

The key differences between a cyclone and an anticyclone lie in their air pressure, wind direction, and associated weather patterns. Here’s a breakdown:

Pressure:

• Cyclone: Low-pressure system. Air converges and rises upward.
• Anticyclone: High-pressure system. Air diverges and sinks downward.

Wind Direction:

• Cyclone: Winds spiral inward, counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. This is due to the Coriolis force.
• Anticyclone: Winds spiral outward, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Weather:

• Cyclone: Typically associated with cloudy skies, strong winds, precipitation (rain, snow), and potentially stormy conditions like hurricanes, typhoons, and blizzards.
• Anticyclone: Typically associated with clear skies, calm winds, and dry conditions.

Additional Points:

• Cyclones form over warm water or land and tend to move towards areas of higher pressure.
• Anticyclones form over cool, stable air masses and tend to move towards areas of lower pressure.
• The strength and size of both cyclones and anticyclones can vary greatly.

Here’s a handy table to summarize the key differences: