Hurricanes

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What is a hurricane?

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A hurricane is a large, powerful storm system characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and a low-pressure center, typically forming over warm ocean waters.

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How do hurricanes help regulate the Earth's climate?

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Hurricanes help regulate the climate by moving heat energy from the equator to the poles, which helps keep the Earth's temperatures stable.

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What are the different names for hurricanes in different regions?

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Hurricanes are also known as cyclones in the Indian Ocean and typhoons in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

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How many categories can hurricanes be classified into?

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Hurricanes can be classified into five categories, from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe) based on their wind speeds.

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What is the most powerful part of a hurricane?

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The most powerful part of a hurricane is the eye wall, which surrounds the eye and contains the strongest winds and heaviest rain.

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What water temperature is needed for a hurricane to form?

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Hurricanes begin to form when ocean water temperatures reach at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

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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, where there are light winds and clear skies.

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What is storm surge?

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Storm surge is the rise in sea level that occurs during a hurricane, caused by the strong winds pushing water toward the shore.

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What role do trade winds play in hurricane formation?

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Trade winds help to organize and steer hurricanes, providing the necessary conditions for their development.

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What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

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The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a classification system that rates hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5 based on sustained wind speeds.