- The Fujiwhara effect has evolved as an intriguing and consequential phenomenon in the ever-changing fabric of Earth’s climate.
- This delicate ‘dance’ between cyclones is gaining attention as storms strengthen owing to global warming.
Why in news?
- Wet Weather: Earlier this year, California experienced an unusual rainy season with numerous wet storms known as ‘atmospheric rivers.’
- The Fujiwhara Show: Something unusual happened during one of these storms—an effect named after a scientist. Let’s go into the specifics.
Understanding the Fujiwhara Effect
- The Waltz of the Cyclone: Consider two cyclones (or large storms) whirling in opposite directions. When they approach close, they start dancing around a shared centre.
- The Dance’s outcome: Depending on the strength of the cyclones, they may merge, spin together, or absorb each other.
- Super Cyclone: If both cyclones are extremely powerful, they can combine to form a single mega cyclone that does significant damage.
Historical Background and Implications
- The Fujiwhara effect was named after a Japanese scientist who discussed it for the first time in 1921. It was witnessed for the first time in 1964.
- Effects Unleashed: This strange dance has the potential to be furious. It has resulted in high winds, smashed windows, and power outages in certain locations.
- The Fujiwhara effect is difficult for weather specialists to predict. When two cyclones dance together, it’s difficult to foresee what will happen.
- The Fujiwhara effect is appearing more frequently as a result of climate change. Experts say it’s because our planet is growing hotter and the oceans are warming.
- Storms are becoming more powerful as a result of global warming. Typhoons in Taiwan, for example, have grown 35% stronger since 1977 as a result of warming oceans.
Implications
- The Symphony of Nature: The Fujiwhara effect is similar to a nature concert, demonstrating how everything in our climate is interconnected.
- Future twist: As storms become more intense, the Fujiwhara effect may become even more essential and difficult to comprehend.
- The Fujiwhara effect informs us about our planet’s rhythm and the importance of caring for our habitat.
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/fujiwhara-effect-cyclones-dance-8905398/#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20National%20Weather,is%20called%20the%20Fujiwhara%20effect.