Hurricanes

A tropical cyclone intensifies rapidly just before landfall despite moderate wind shear. Which factor most likely explains this?

• a. Decreasing ocean salinity

• b. Exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures and high ocean heat content

• c. Increased atmospheric pressure

• d. Weak Coriolis force

Answer explanation

Deep, warm water (high ocean heat content) can offset moderate shear and fuel rapid intensification.

A storm near 5° latitude fails to develop into a typhoon. What is the most plausible reason?

• a. Strong land interaction

• b. Weak Coriolis effect limiting rotation

• c. High humidity

• d. Strong convection

Answer explanation

Near the equator, the Coriolis effect is too weak to sustain cyclonic rotation.

Two storms form in similar locations, but only one intensifies. Which condition most likely differentiates them?

• a. Atmospheric pressure uniformity

• b. Earth’s rotation speed

• c. Vertical wind shear differences ✅

• d. Distance from the equator

Answer explanation

Strong wind shear tears storms apart; low shear allows development.

A typhoon suddenly weakens after crossing a mountainous island chain. Which mechanism best explains this change?

• a. Increase in solar radiation

• b. Orographic disruption and loss of moisture supply ✅

• c. Stronger Coriolis force

• d. Ocean current acceleration

Answer explanation

Land interaction (especially mountains) disrupts circulation and cuts off moisture from the ocean.

A storm shifts from westward to northward movement in the Northern Hemisphere. What explains this transition?

• a. Coriolis effect and interaction with westerlies

• b. Ocean currents

• c. Earth’s gravity

• d. Solar heating

Answer explanation

Trade winds push storms west, then westerlies curve them northward (recurvature).

A coastal area experiences severe flooding even though the hurricane did not make direct landfall. What is the most likely cause?

• a. Lightning strikes

• b. Snowmelt

• c. Earthquake activity

• d. Storm surge combined with onshore winds

Answer explanation

Storm surge can affect nearby coasts even without direct landfall.

A hurricane’s eye becomes smaller and more defined. What does this indicate?

• a. Weakening of the storm

• b. Intensification due to stronger pressure gradient

• c. Landfall

• d. Dissipation

Answer explanation

A contracting eye often signals intensification and stronger winds.

A storm maintains strength longer than expected over ocean waters. What factor contributes most to this?

• a. Cold ocean currents

• b. High ocean heat content extending below surface

• c. Low atmospheric pressure

• d. Weak gravity

Answer explanation

Deep warm water prevents cooling from mixing, sustaining storm strength.

Why are coastal regions more vulnerable to typhoon damage than inland areas?

• a. Higher elevation

• b. Greater vegetation

• c. Direct exposure to storm surge and stronger winds

• d. Lower population

Answer explanation

Coastal areas face storm surge, strong winds, and flooding first.

Why are coastal regions more vulnerable to typhoon damage than inland areas?

• a. Higher elevation

• b. Direct exposure to storm surge and stronger winds

• c. Greater vegetation

• d. Lower population

Answer explanation

Coastal areas face storm surge, strong winds, and flooding first.