Cyclonic Circulation

Circulation (or rotation) which is in the same sense as the Earth's rotation, i.e., counterclockwise (in the Northern Hemisphere) as would be seen from above. Nearly all mesocyclones and strong or violent tornadoes exhibit cyclonic rotation, but some smaller vortices, such as gustnadoes, occasionally rotate anticyclonically (clockwise). Compare with anticyclonic rotation.

Cyclonic circulation Atmospheric circulation associated with a cyclone (depression, low pressure area). It is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.