What atmospheric phenomenon is characterized by an air mass rotating around a low-pressure center?

An air mass rotating around a low-pressure center is the defining characteristic of a cyclone. This atmospheric phenomenon occurs when warm air rises, creating an area of lower pressure at the surface. The surrounding air then moves into this low-pressure area and, due to the Coriolis effect, begins to rotate around the center. This rotation is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cyclones encompass a variety of weather systems, including tropical cyclones (like hurricanes) and mid-latitude cyclones. They can manifest in different forms, including tropical storms and hurricanes, both of which are more intense versions of a cyclone that originate over warm ocean waters.

While thunderstorms and tornadoes can also involve rotating air, they are distinct phenomena. Thunderstorms are typically characterized by the development of cumulonimbus clouds and severe weather, while tornadoes are violent, rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. However, neither of these features encompasses the broader definition of a cyclone, which is related to the rotation around a low-pressure center.