What is the Difference Between Cyclone and Hurricane?

The main difference between a cyclone and a hurricane is their geographical location. Both cyclones and hurricanes are rotating storm systems that originate over tropical or subtropical waters and are characterized by low-level circulation and thunderstorms. They are considered tropical cyclones, but their names vary depending on where they form:

• Hurricanes: These storms develop over the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific.
• Cyclones: They form over the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
• Typhoons: These storms occur in the Northwest Pacific.

The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are regional names for tropical cyclones, and all tropical cyclones draw heat from warm water at the ocean's surface to create rotating winds. The only time a hurricane would become a typhoon is if the storm crossed the International Date Line, such as when Hurricane Genevieve became Typhoon Genevieve in 2014.

Comparative Table: Cyclone vs Hurricane

The terms cyclone and hurricane refer to the same weather phenomenon: tropical storms with high winds, heavy rain, and low atmospheric pressure. The main difference between them is the geographical location where they occur and slightly different wind speeds. Here is a table comparing cyclones and hurricanes:

In summary, cyclones and hurricanes are essentially the same weather phenomenon, but they are named differently based on their geographical location and specific wind speeds.