Hurricanes Review

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large tropical storm system characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and low pressure, typically forming over warm ocean waters.

Front

What conditions are necessary for a hurricane to form?

Back

Hurricanes require warm ocean water (at least 26.5°C), moist air, and low vertical wind shear to develop.

Front

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson scale categorizes hurricanes from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe) based on sustained wind speeds and potential damage.

Front

What is the eye of a hurricane?

Back

The eye of a hurricane is a calm, clear area at the center of the storm, surrounded by the eyewall, where the most intense winds and rain occur.

Front

What is the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon?

Back

Hurricanes and typhoons are the same type of storm but are named differently based on their location: hurricanes occur in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, while typhoons occur in the Northwest Pacific.

Front

What role do trade winds play in hurricane formation?

Back

Trade winds help to steer hurricanes and can influence their development by providing the necessary moisture and energy from warm ocean waters.

Front

What is storm surge?

Back

Storm surge is the rise in sea level that occurs during a hurricane, caused by strong winds pushing water toward the shore, leading to coastal flooding.

Front

How do meteorologists track hurricanes?

Back

Meteorologists use satellite imagery, radar, and weather buoys to track hurricanes, monitor their development, and predict their paths.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect and how does it relate to hurricanes?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth, which influences the rotation and path of hurricanes.

Front

What are the primary hazards associated with hurricanes?

Back

The primary hazards include strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, and flooding, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and ecosystems.