Fujiwhara Effect Latest News
Two cyclonic storms are predicted to form in the Bay of Bengal, with a potential Fujiwhara interaction.
About Fujiwhara Effect
- The Fujiwhara Effect (also named as the Fujiwhara interaction or the binary interaction) is a natural phenomenon that takes place when two nearby cyclones or hurricanes interact with each other.Â
- It was first described by a Japanese meteorologist, Dr. Sakuhei Fujiwhara, in 1921. The phenomenon was thus named after him.
- Many years later, the occurrence was observed in the western Pacific Ocean when typhoons Marie and Kathy merged in 1964.
What Happens During The Fujiwhara Effect?
- The Fujiwhara Effect can occur when two cyclones form near each other or approach each other close enough to allow the Fujiwhara interaction to take place.Â
- Extratropical cyclones can exhibit binary interaction when within a distance of 2,000 km of each other.Â
- Tropical cyclones exhibit this type of effect when separated by a distance of less than 1,400 km.Â
- During the Fujiwhara interaction, the centers of the two cyclones involved in the phenomenon begin to mutually orbit in a counterclockwise direction about a point between the two cyclones.
- The position of the point is dependent on the intensity and relative mass of the cyclonic vortices.Â
- The smaller cyclone involved in the Fujiwhara Effect moves at a faster rate than the bigger one about the central point.
- The Fujiwhara Effect might lead the two cyclones to spiral into the central point and merge with each other, or it might trigger the development of a larger cyclone.Â
- The effect might also divert the original path of one or both the cyclones.
Source: DTE
Fujiwhara Effect FAQs
Q1: What is the Fujiwhara Effect?
Ans: It is a natural phenomenon that takes place when two nearby cyclones or hurricanes interact with each other.
Q2: Who first described the Fujiwhara Effect?
Ans: It was first described by a Japanese meteorologist, Dr. Sakuhei Fujiwhara, in 1921.
Q3: How close must two tropical cyclones be (in km) for the Fujiwhara Effect to occur?
Ans: Less than 1,400 km.
Q4: Can the Fujiwhara Effect change the original path of one or both cyclones?
Ans: Yes, the Fujiwhara Effect can alter or divert the original path of one or both cyclones.