Tropical Storms - Typhoons & Hurricanes

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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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

Where do most hurricanes develop?

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Most hurricanes develop near the Equator, where warm ocean waters provide the necessary energy.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What role does the sun play in the formation of tropical storms?

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The sun provides the energy necessary to drive convection within Earth's oceans, which is essential for the formation of tropical storms.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is convection?

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Convection is the process of heat transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases), where warmer, less dense areas rise and cooler, denser areas sink.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

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The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects (like air) caused by the rotation of the Earth, influencing the direction of winds and ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the main components of a hurricane?

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The main components of a hurricane include the eye (calm center), eyewall (strongest winds), and rainbands (outer bands of rain and wind).

Front

What is the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon?

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A hurricane and a typhoon 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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What factors contribute to the formation of hurricanes?

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Factors include warm ocean water, moist air, and the presence of a weather disturbance to initiate the storm.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale?

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The Saffir-Simpson scale is a classification system for hurricanes that rates their intensity based on sustained wind speeds, ranging from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is storm surge?

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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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2