Before blowing up on social media, the term "bomb cyclone" was used mostly by meteorologists or weather enthusiasts. But what makes this type of winter storm so "explosive" besides the name? DW explains.
Image: picture-alliance/newscom/J. Angelillo
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Although the term sounds scary, a "bomb cyclone" is just a shortened version of the technical term bombogenesis.
The term describes large winter storms that result from a rapid plunge in barometric pressure — at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. Such storms bring high winds and fast, heavy snowfall.
These types of storms are formed when cold air from the US mainland meets with warmer air from the Atlantic Ocean. The winds and the Earth's rotation create a spinning effect, hence the "cyclone" moniker.
As for the "bomb" part, the only explosive thing about these storms is their rapid drop in pressure, which determines how powerful a storm will be.
Those in the path of a "bomb cyclone" can expect to see a fair amount of snowImage: picture-alliance/AP Photo/J. Minto
Although people in the path of the storm should watch out for its gusting, freezing winds and quickly falling snow, one of the most dangerous parts of a "bomb cyclone" is what happens after the storm has passed.
"Bomb cyclones" pull in air extra frigid air polar regions after they leave, meaning that people in the path of the storm could experience sub-zero temperatures while dealing with possible power outages.
The term was largely unknown outside of meteorological circles until a few days ago when US newspaper Washington Post used it in a story and it began spreading on social media.
This type of storm is most commonly referred to as a "Nor'easter," the only difference this year is its new nickname.
To look into the effects ice storms have on vegetation, US researchers sprayed trees in the Hubbard Brook research forest with water when it was freezing outside. The result looks like something out of a fairytale.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/Hubbard Brook Research Foundation/J. Klementovich
Fake ice storm
US researchers from the American Society of Agronomy want to learn more about ice storms and their effects on plants and trees. The weather phenomenon is hard to predict and occurs without much warning - that's why the scientists created their own. They sprayed trees in an area the size of three basketball courts.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/Hubbard Brook Research Foundation/J. Klementovich
Preparing for the future
The results of the experiment could be useful in the future. Meteorologists believe that ice storms will occur more frequently in years to come because of climate change.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/Hubbard Brook Research Foundation/J. Klementovich
Ice ice, baby
In the cold New England winter, the hosed-down branches turned to crystal in no time. Tree trunks and branches were covered by layers of ice between six and 19 millimeters thick.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/Hubbard Brook Research Foundation/J. Klementovich
Pretty - but dangerous
While Hubbard Brook looks magical, ice storms in the US can have devastating consequences. Falling rain freezes almost immediately and covers everything with a thick layer of ice. Trees and utility poles can't support the added weight, fall on cars and houses and cause great damage or even power outages.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/Hubbard Brook Research Foundation/J. Klementovich
Ice storms not necessarily bad
While the study is still ongoing, first results from the experimental forest are already in. A light ice shower could be beneficial for the forest, because a thin layer of ice kills surplus sprouts so other branches have more room. Since trees store a certain amount of carbon, they can survive under ice for a little while. But strong, frequent ice storms would be a threat.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/Hubbard Brook Research Foundation/J. Klementovich
