Hurricanes - Earth's Mightiest Storms - Vocabulary

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What is a hurricane?

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A hurricane is a large, powerful storm that forms over warm ocean waters and can cause strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.

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What does 'whirling' mean in the context of hurricanes?

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'Whirling' refers to the spinning motion of the winds in a hurricane, which can create a circular pattern.

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What does it mean to 'predict' a hurricane?

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To 'predict' a hurricane means to make an educated guess about where and when a hurricane will occur and how strong it will be.

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What is a 'source' in relation to hurricanes?

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A 'source' is a place where something comes from. In the context of hurricanes, it can refer to the warm ocean water that fuels the storm.

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What does 'rapidly' mean?

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'Rapidly' means something happening very quickly. For example, a hurricane can move rapidly across the ocean.

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What does 'condense' mean?

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'Condense' means to change from a gas to a liquid. In hurricanes, water vapor condenses to form clouds and rain.

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What is the eye of a hurricane?

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The eye of a hurricane is the calm center of the storm, surrounded by the most intense winds and rain.

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What are the effects of a hurricane?

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Hurricanes can cause strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, flooding, and damage to buildings and infrastructure.

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What is a storm surge?

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A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by the strong winds of a hurricane pushing water toward the shore.

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How do hurricanes form?

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Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when moist air rises, cools, and condenses, creating clouds and storms.