Cyclonic:
* Refers to the rotation of a weather system.
* Typically, cyclones rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect.
* Includes:
* Low-pressure systems: characterized by rising air, clouds, and precipitation.
* Hurricanes/Typhoons/Cyclones: powerful rotating storms with intense winds and heavy rain.
Frontal:
* Refers to the boundary between two different air masses.
* Fronts: are zones where air masses with different temperatures, humidity, and densities meet.
* Fronts can cause a variety of weather changes, including:
* Cold Fronts: bring colder air and often produce thunderstorms and strong winds.
* Warm Fronts: bring warmer air and usually cause widespread rain or snow.
* Stationary Fronts: little movement, resulting in prolonged periods of rain or snow.
In summary:
* Cyclonic describes the rotation of a weather system.
* Frontal describes the boundary between two different air masses.
A frontal system can be cyclonic, meaning it rotates. However, not all cyclonic systems are frontal systems (e.g., hurricanes).