Hurricane Formation and Characteristics

What months define the Atlantic hurricane season?

• March through August

• June through November

• January through May

• July through December

Which three ingredients are necessary for a hurricane to form?

• Cold water, high wind shear, and precursor storms

• Warm water, low wind shear, and precursor storms

• Warm water, high wind shear, and no precursor storms

• Cold water, low wind shear, and no precursor storms

What is the minimum sustained wind speed for a storm to be classified as a hurricane (also known as a Tropical Cyclone)?

• 25 mph

• 39 mph

• 74 mph

• 100 mph

In the Atlantic region, where do the precursor storms that can develop into hurricanes typically originate?

• North America

• South America

• Europe

• Africa

What is the minimum ocean temperature required for a hurricane to form and gain strength?

• 60°F

• 70°F

• 78°F

• 85°F

What atmospheric condition is necessary for a hurricane to maintain its vertical structure and gain strength?

• High wind shear

• Low wind shear

• Strong updrafts

• Strong downdrafts

Which of the following is NOT a reason why the Atlantic region is hurricane-free during the winter months?

• Cooler ocean waters

• Absence of easterly waves

• Increased low wind shear from the jet stream

• High wind shear from the jet stream

In which region can tropical cyclones occur all year long due to consistently warm ocean water and weak wind shear?

• Eastern Atlantic

• Western Pacific

• Indian Ocean

• Gulf of Mexico