American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice

Cyclones in meteorology are characterized as systems with a swirling center of low air pressure. This is fundamentally due to the way air behaves in these systems. As air rises in a cyclone, it creates a void or low-pressure area beneath it. Surrounding air then rushes in from areas of higher pressure, creating a spinning motion, which is influenced by the Coriolis effect. This low-pressure center is the key element of cyclones and is associated with various weather patterns, including clouds, precipitation, and storm systems, making them significant in terms of forecasting and understanding weather phenomena. The contrasting options involve elements like high pressure or stationary fronts, which do not represent the dynamic nature of cyclones correctly. Therefore, recognizing that cyclones are defined by their low-pressure centers is essential for understanding their impact on weather.