Typhoon Kujira transitioning into an extratropical cyclone, revealed by NASA’s satellite

NASA’s Aqua satellite provided an imagery, which revealed that Typhoon- Kujira is showing characteristics of Post-Tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclone, before they dissipate completely can show post-tropical characteristics i.e. sub-tropical, extra-tropical cyclones, which implies cyclones that no longer fully possess tropical characteristics.

However it can still continue to carry heavy rains and high speed winds. This process occurs when a tropical cyclone re-curves towards the poles (north or south, depending on the hemisphere in which the storm is located) by receiving energy from the horizontal temperature contrasts.

Tropical cyclones have energy strongest near the Earth’s surface, while extra-tropical have the strongest energy near the Tropopause that is 12 km above Earth’s surface.

Kujira storm appeared asymmetric due to wind shear as revealed by Aqua satellite indicating extra-tropical transition. 

On September 30, satellite revealed an image showcasing Kujira’s center of circulation being surrounded by wispy clouds, when the bulk of the clouds being shifted by the Southwesterly vertical wind shear, showering northeast of the center. On September 29, it was observed to be located about 802 nautical miles to the East of Misawi, Japan, and as it was transitioning towards Northeast, its strength reduced from typhoon to tropical storm strength. Kujira, as per forecasts is expected to complete the Extra-tropical transition and enter into post-tropical depression.

NASA has once again showcased its leading efforts towards learning and understanding our home planet through space satellites and explorations by usually providing useful insights for a better living planet for future as well by advancing our knowledge of our home planet and so NASA leads space and scientific world from decades.

Written by Khusbhu Mathur

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