Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fujiwhara Effect
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In the ever-changing tapestry of Earth’s climate, the Fujiwhara effect has emerged as a captivating and consequential phenomenon.
- With cyclones intensifying due to global warming, this intricate ‘dance’ between cyclones is garnering attention.
Why in news?
- Surprising Weather: Recently, a storm named Hurricane Hilary brought a tropical twist to the US west coast. It’s part of a series of odd weather happenings there.
- Wet Weather: Earlier this year, California had an unexpected rainy season with lots of wet storms, called ‘atmospheric rivers.’
- Fujiwhara Show: During one of these storms, something special occurred—an effect named after a scientist. Let’s dive into the details.
Decoding the Fujiwhara Effect
- Cyclone Waltz: Imagine two cyclones (or big storms) spinning in the same direction. When they get close, they begin a kind of dance around a common center.
- Outcome of the Dance: Depending on the strength of the cyclones, they might merge, spin together, or one might absorb the other.
- Super Cyclone: Rarely, if both cyclones are super strong, they can become one mega cyclone that causes big trouble.
Historical Context and Impact
- Origins and Discovery: The Fujiwhara effect got its name from a Japanese scientist who first talked about it in 1921. It was seen happening for real in 1964.
- Effects Unleashed: This unusual dance can be fierce. It has caused strong winds, broken windows, and power problems in some areas.
- Guessing Game: The Fujiwhara effect is tricky for weather experts. It’s hard to predict what will happen when two cyclones dance together.
Climate Change Connection
- More Frequent Moves: The Fujiwhara effect is showing up more often now. Experts believe it’s because our world is getting hotter and ocean waters are warming up.
- Hotter Waters: Because of global warming, storms are getting stronger. For instance, in Taiwan, typhoons have become 35% stronger since 1977 due to warmer oceans.
Implications
- Nature’s Symphony: The Fujiwhara effect is like a nature’s concert, showing us how everything is connected in our climate.
- Future Twist: As storms get more powerful, the Fujiwhara effect could become even more important and harder to understand.
- Planet’s Dance: The Fujiwhara effect teaches us about our planet’s rhythm and how important it is to take care of our home.
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