In a cyclone, how does friction affect surface air flow?

In a cyclone, how does friction affect surface air flow?

• A. It causes the air to diverge
• B. It causes the air to converge
• C. It has no effect
• D. It causes the air to rise

Answer: (B)

In a cyclone, friction plays a crucial role in influencing surface air flow. When air flows over the earth's surface, friction between the wind and the ground slows down the air. This reduction in wind speed alters the overall flow pattern of the air within the cyclone. In the presence of a low-pressure area like a cyclone, as the surface air slows due to friction, it cannot flow straight toward the center of the cyclone where the pressure is lowest. Instead, the airflow is deflected inward, leading to convergence at the surface. This converging air then has to rise to maintain balance with the air moving towards the center of the cyclone, which can enhance the cyclone’s strength and contribute to its development. This phenomenon highlights how friction affects air by causing it to converge rather than diverge, counteracting the typical motion observed in non-frictional scenarios. This understanding is critical for predicting cyclone behavior and associated weather patterns.

In a cyclone, friction plays a crucial role in influencing surface air flow. When air flows over the earth's surface, friction between the wind and the ground slows down the air. This reduction in wind speed alters the overall flow pattern of the air within the cyclone.

In the presence of a low-pressure area like a cyclone, as the surface air slows due to friction, it cannot flow straight toward the center of the cyclone where the pressure is lowest. Instead, the airflow is deflected inward, leading to convergence at the surface. This converging air then has to rise to maintain balance with the air moving towards the center of the cyclone, which can enhance the cyclone’s strength and contribute to its development.

This phenomenon highlights how friction affects air by causing it to converge rather than diverge, counteracting the typical motion observed in non-frictional scenarios. This understanding is critical for predicting cyclone behavior and associated weather patterns.