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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cyclone and Tsunami?

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The main differences between a cyclone and a tsunami are their causes, characteristics, and the types of damage they cause:

  • Cause: A cyclone is an atmospheric weather event, formed over water and develops due to the wind, while a tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake or undersea volcanic eruption.
  • Formation: Cyclones are storm systems centered around a location of low pressure, with rapid, intense, and destructive winds. Tsunamis, on the other hand, are a series of giant waves that build higher and travel faster than regular waves, caused by the displacement of a large volume of water.
  • Types: There are six types of cyclones, including Polar Cyclones and Tropical Cyclones. Tsunamis are all mostly the same, with only variable intensities.
  • Predictability: Cyclones can be predicted before they strike, allowing for some degree of preparation and evacuation. Tsunamis, however, cannot be predicted, which can lead to greater damage as they cannot be anticipated.
  • Damage: Cyclones can cause heavy rainfall, flooding, pollution of water, erosion of beaches, and loss of life and property. Tsunamis are highly destructive, with waves that can reach up to 100 mph and cause widespread devastation to coastal and inland communities.
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  • What is the Difference Between Cyclone and Tsunami?
  • Comparative Table: Cyclone vs Tsunami

    • Comparative Table: Cyclone vs Tsunami

    Here is a table comparing the differences between a cyclone and a tsunami:

    Feature Cyclone Tsunami
    Origin Formed over water and develops by wind Caused by underwater disturbances, often earthquakes
    Formation Rotating storm system Large sea wave
    Causes Meteorological factors like temperature, moisture, and wind patterns Primarily geological phenomena like earthquakes beneath the ocean floor
    Warning Time Days in advance Hours or minutes
    Area of Impact Larger regions Coastal areas, can be localized
    Speed Strong winds, up to 100 mph Massive waves, can inundate coastal areas
    Damage Heavy rainfall, floods, pollution of water, loss of life and property, erosion of beaches, damage to trees and communication networks Inundation of coastal areas, loss of life and property, contamination of water, injuries like crush injuries, head injuries, and asphyxiation
    Predictability More predictable due to larger size and slower movement Less predictable, limited time for warnings
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.