minicyclone

A minicyclone is a small-scale cyclonic circulation, typically less than 100 kilometers in diameter. These weather phenomena are often observed in the boundary layer of the atmosphere, close to the Earth's surface. Minicyclones can form in various environments, including over land and water, and are frequently associated with convective processes or topographic influences.

The formation of minicyclones can be driven by differential heating, which creates localized areas of rising air, or by the interaction of winds with obstacles like mountains or buildings. When air flows around an obstacle, it can create a vortex or eddy, which if sustained and organized, can develop into a minicyclone. They can also be generated by the convergence of air currents.

While small, minicyclones can have observable effects. They can influence local wind patterns, leading to gusty conditions, and can play a role in the transport of moisture and pollutants. In some cases, minicyclones have been linked to localized heavy rainfall or even small tornado-like vortices, though their intensity is generally much lower than that of larger storm systems. Their presence is often transient, lasting from a few minutes to several hours. Studying minicyclones helps meteorologists better understand atmospheric dynamics at the smallest scales.