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Cyclonic storm “Remal”, originating in the central Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm
According to the latest input of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is likely to cross the coast between Sagar Island of West Bengal and Khepupara of Bangladesh with a wind speed of 110-120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph.
Cyclone Remal
The name 'Remal' in the list of tropical cyclones is given by Oman.
It will be the first cyclone to hit the region this 2024 pre-monsoon season.
'Remal,' meaning 'sand' in Arabic.
Origin: Bay of Bengal (BoB).
Factors Contributing to the Formation:
A depression (an area of low pressure characterised by circulating winds and atmospheric instability) has formed over the central Bay of Bengal, serving as the genesis for Cyclone Remal.
The Bay of Bengal, experiences water temperatures higher(2–3°C) warmer than average.
This warm water provides the energy needed for cyclones to form and intensify.
The Madden Julian Oscillation, a band of clouds moving eastward, along with the winds and warm ocean waters, is currently moving south of the Bay of Bengal.
These winds play a role in initiating cyclones due to their rotational effect.
Occurrence of tropical cyclones on the eastern coast of India
The Bay of Bengal experiences more cyclones than the Arabian Sea by a ratio of about 4:1.
However, a 2022 study found that the frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea has increased by 52% from 2001–2019, while the Bay of Bengal’s frequency has slightly decreased.
The Bay of Bengal is relatively shallower than the Arabian Sea The larger surface area of the Bay of Bengal allows faster heating causing higher evaporation.
Inturn forms a high-pressure zone in the area causing instability in the region.
All these factors make it suitable for cyclone formation.
The Arabian Sea has traditionally seen fewer cyclones due to higher salinity, lower sea surface temperatures, and disadvantageous wind systems.
However, changes in ocean and atmosphere warming patterns are leading to more frequent and severe tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
The positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and human-induced climate change are contributing to the intensification and higher frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
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