NASA | Exploring Energy: Hurricanes

The video explains how hurricanes derive energy from warm ocean water, with water vapor carrying latent heat into the atmosphere. This heat is released when the vapor condenses, powering the hurricane. Afterward, the heat dissipates into space. NASA and NOAA research these processes to improve hurricane prediction. A classroom activity using NASA data allows students to study sea surface temperature changes during hurricanes, focusing on Hurricane Rita. The video also covers how hurricanes affect ocean circulation and temperature, causing upwelling and cooling.

How do researchers study the energy involved in hurricanes?

Describe the effects of hurricanes on sea surface temperature.