Which of the following is a true characteristic of the movement and nature of temperate and tropical cyclones?

Introduction / Context:
Atmospheric disturbances such as cyclones play a major role in weather and climate. Geography and meteorology questions often test whether you can distinguish between temperate cyclones (also called mid latitude or extratropical cyclones) and tropical cyclones (including hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones in different ocean basins). This question asks you to pick the statement that correctly describes the movement or nature of these systems, while the other options contain common misconceptions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options compare directions of movement, structure of cyclones, and latitude of development.
• Temperate cyclones occur in mid latitudes and are associated with westerly winds.
• Tropical cyclones form over warm tropical oceans and are influenced by trade winds and the Coriolis effect.
• We assume Northern Hemisphere examples unless otherwise specified, but the basic ideas apply globally.

Concept / Approach:
Temperate cyclones develop in mid latitude regions where westerly winds dominate, typically moving from west to east. Tropical cyclones form over warm tropical seas, usually between about 5 and 20 degrees latitude, and initially follow the trade winds, moving from east to west before their tracks may curve. All cyclones, whether tropical or temperate, are low pressure systems with air spiralling inward. The eye of a tropical cyclone is the calm centre, not the front side. Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that develop over warm tropical oceans, not mainly over mid latitudes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Consider option A: Temperate cyclones move from west to east with westerlies, and tropical cyclones follow trade winds. This matches the general pattern of movement in mid latitudes and tropics and is correct.2. Examine option B: It states that the front side of a cyclone is known as the eye. In reality, the eye is the central calm region, with fronts associated mostly with temperate cyclones, not with the eye concept, so this statement is wrong.3. Examine option C: It claims cyclones have a centre of high pressure. Cyclones are defined by a low pressure centre, so this is incorrect.4. Examine option D: It says hurricanes develop over mid latitudes, but in fact they form over warm tropical oceans and are tropical phenomena, even if they sometimes move into higher latitudes later.5. Since option A is the only statement that accurately describes cyclone movement, it is the true characteristic.

Verification / Alternative check:
Weather maps show mid latitude low pressure systems travelling eastward with the westerlies across North America, Europe, and other mid latitude regions. Reports of tropical cyclones such as hurricanes and typhoons usually show them forming over tropical seas and initially moving westward with the trade winds before turning poleward. Basic definitions in meteorology emphasise that cyclones are low pressure systems with inward spiralling winds, and the eye of a tropical cyclone is a calm central area surrounded by the eyewall of intense storms. These standard descriptions confirm that only option A is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because the eye is the central calm region of a tropical cyclone, not the front side; fronts are features of temperate cyclones. Option C is incorrect because cyclones are low pressure systems; high pressure centres are called anticyclones. Option D is wrong because hurricanes are tropical cyclones that form over warm tropical oceans, not mainly in mid latitudes, although they may later move into higher latitudes as they weaken or transform.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the terms cyclone and anticyclone and reverse the pressure description. Another pitfall is to mix up the idea of weather fronts with the concept of the eye of a cyclone. A further confusion arises when storms move into mid latitudes and people assume that is where they formed. Remembering that temperate cyclones travel with westerlies from west to east, and tropical cyclones initially follow trade winds from east to west, will help you pick the correct statement.

Final Answer:
The true characteristic is that temperate cyclones move from west to east with westerlies, whereas tropical cyclones follow trade winds.