Understanding Hurricanes

Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, are powerful storms that form over warm tropical oceans. They release immense energy, equivalent to half a million atomic bombs daily. Hurricanes develop from tropical depressions and become official when winds exceed 74 mph. The storm's structure includes a calm eye and a violent eye wall. Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage, especially through storm surges. Efforts to predict their paths involve hurricane hunters and advanced 3D models, aiming to provide timely warnings.

What are hurricanes also known as?

• Tornadoes

• Blizzards

• Cyclones

• Earthquakes

How much energy does an average hurricane release in a day?

• As much as a lightning storm

• As much as a small firework

• As much as a large power plant

• As much as half a million small atomic bombs

What temperature must the ocean reach for hurricanes to form?

• 102°

• 92°

• 82°

• 72°

At what wind speed does a tropical storm become a hurricane?

• 39 mph

• 54 mph

• 74 mph

• 100 mph

What is the calm area at the center of a hurricane called?

• The core

• The vortex

• The center

• The eye

How wide can a fully formed hurricane be?

• 100 miles

• 300 miles

• 500 miles

• 700 miles

What is the most dangerous aspect of a hurricane when it makes landfall?

• High winds

• Heavy rain

• Lightning

• Storm surge

How many people were killed by hurricanes in the 20th century in the United States?

• 20,000

• 5,000

• 10,000

• 15,000

What was the costliest hurricane in US history as of 1992?

• Hurricane Katrina

• Hurricane Sandy

• Hurricane Andrew

• Hurricane Harvey

What technology helps scientists predict the path of hurricanes?

• Seismographs

• 3D models

• Satellite imagery

• Weather balloons