Hurricanes: Earth's Mightiest Storms - Comprehension

Front

What causes the air in a hurricane to spiral?

Back

The rotation of the earth.

Front

Under which heading would you be MOST likely to find the causes of a hurricane?

Back

"The Making of a Hurricane".

Front

What kind of text structure does the sentence below show? The low-pressure area acts like a chimney -- warm air is drawn in at the bottom, rises in a column, cools, and spreads out. As the air rises and more is drawn in, the storm grows.

Back

Cause-and-effect.

Front

Which graphic feature in the article is MOST helpful in showing the reader the paths of hurricanes?

Back

The map.

Front

Which of these is MOST responsible for improvements in the prediction of hurricanes?

Back

Satellites.

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

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

Front

What role does warm water play in the formation of hurricanes?

Back

Warm water provides the energy needed for hurricanes to develop and strengthen.

Front

What is the eye of a hurricane?

Back

The calm center of a hurricane, surrounded by the storm's most intense winds.

Front

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Back

A scale used to classify hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential damage.

Front

What happens to a hurricane when it moves over land?

Back

It loses energy and begins to weaken.