Fujiwhara Effect

           “Two heads are better than one”, but what if it goes the other way? Double the trouble!-That is what will happen when two nasty objects meet just like in a Fujiwhara effect.

            I learned that it is due to the meeting of two tropical cyclones that would meet and merge. This may not happen always but when it happens, be ready to double your readiness for the upcoming disaster. The effect is named after Sakuhei Fujiwhara, the Japanese meteorologist who initially described it in a 1921 paper about the motion of vortices in water. This is how Sakuhei described the phenomenon, “When the cyclones approach each other, their centers will begin orbiting cyclonically about a point between the two systems due to their cyclonic wind circulations. The two vortices will be attracted to each other, and eventually spiral into the center point and merge. When the two vortices are of unequal size, the larger vortex will tend to dominate the interaction, and the smaller vortex will orbit around it.

The effect is often mentioned in relation to the motion of tropical cyclones, although the final merging of the two storms is uncommon. The effect becomes pronounced in these storms when they approach within about 1,500 km (900 mi) of each other and are at tropical storm strength or stronger.”

            I want to know more about how disastrous are these storms and what are its effects beside from it strengthens it. These can help the people and raise their awareness about this matter.

            I would like to research on if there are other instruments used to help the people be aware of this phenomenon. In addition, I would like to know how the government would react in situations like this that we are doubling the power of a super typhoon.

            I appreciate the fact that PAG-ASA does its best to aware and help people in these tragic times of their fellows’ lives. It is a big help for them if the LGU in each province or municipality would make seminars to awaken the people on what could happen in this situation.

           I can apply my learning and insights in getting our household aware and ready during storms. I can also help government sectors in getting everybody involve on this matter. Besides, that is the responsibility of a meteorologist (sooner I’ll be one).