Cyclonic rotation

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Cyclonic rotation or cyclonic circulation is the atmospheric motion in the same direction as a planet's rotation, as opposed to anticyclonic rotation . In the case of Earth's rotation, the Coriolis effect causes cyclonic rotation to be in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. [1] A closed area of winds rotating cyclonically is known as a cyclone .

Cyclonic rotation is characteristic of the vast majority of violent tornadoes and of mesocyclones, which are regions of rotation of storm-scale, 2-6 miles across, an area that is much larger than that of any tornado that may be in it.

In contrast to cyclonic rotation, rotation in the opposite direction of the Earth's rotation is called anticyclonic rotation. [2] [3]

References

  1. ↑ Oblack, Rachelle. "Cyclonic Rotation". About.com. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  2. ↑ "A Comprehensive Glossary of Weather: Cyclonic Circulation definition". Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  3. ↑ "What Is a Cyclonic Rotation?" . Retrieved 14 September 2025.


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