Understanding Hurricanes

What is a hurricane?

• A hurricane is a type of tropical storm with winds under 50 mph.

• A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 mph.

• A hurricane is a weather phenomenon characterized by heavy snowfall.

• A hurricane is a type of earthquake with high seismic activity.

Where do hurricanes generally form?

• Over land in temperate zones

• Hurricanes generally form over warm ocean waters in tropical and subtropical regions.

• Over cold ocean waters in polar regions

• In the mountains during winter

What type of water is needed for a hurricane to form?

• Warm ocean water

• Rainwater

• Freshwater from lakes

• Cold river water

What happens to warm air above the ocean?

• Warm air cools immediately and causes the ocean to heat up.

• Warm air rises, cools, and can lead to cloud formation.

• Warm air remains stagnant and does not affect weather patterns.

• Warm air sinks and warms the ocean surface.

What creates an area of low pressure in a hurricane?

• Warm, moist air rising rapidly creates an area of low pressure in a hurricane.

• Cold, dry air sinking slowly creates an area of low pressure in a hurricane.

• High pressure systems moving in create an area of low pressure in a hurricane.

• Stable air layers mixing create an area of low pressure in a hurricane.

How does surrounding air interact with low pressure areas?

• Surrounding air moves into low pressure areas, creating wind and potentially leading to weather changes.

• Surrounding air moves away from low pressure areas, causing calm weather.

• Low pressure areas repel surrounding air, leading to stable conditions.

• Surrounding air remains static and does not affect low pressure areas.

What happens to the air that is pushed in to fill low pressure?

• Air remains stationary in low-pressure areas.

• Air flows into low-pressure areas to equalize pressure.

• Air is sucked out of low-pressure areas.

• Air is compressed in low-pressure areas.

What role does moisture play in hurricane formation?

• Moisture cools the air, preventing hurricane formation.

• Moisture has no effect on hurricane development.

• Moisture creates high pressure systems that inhibit hurricanes.

• Moisture provides heat and energy through evaporation, essential for hurricane formation.

What do clouds and winds do in a hurricane?

• Clouds block sunlight and winds create a peaceful atmosphere.

• Clouds form the storm structure while winds circulate around the eye, creating strong gusts and heavy rain.

• Clouds and winds have no effect on the hurricane's intensity.

• Clouds dissipate while winds calm down during a hurricane.

What fuels the spinning of hurricanes?

• Warm ocean water and the release of heat from evaporating water.

• Dust storms in the desert

• High-pressure systems

• Cold air from the atmosphere