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 the eyewall and the calm eye. Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage, especially through storm surges. Scientists use planes and 3D models to predict hurricane paths and provide 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 small firework

• As much as a large power plant

• As much as a lightning storm

• As much as half a million small atomic bombs

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

• 39 miles per hour

• 100 miles per hour

• 50 miles per hour

• 74 miles per hour

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

• The eye

• The core

• The center

• The hub

How wide can a fully formed hurricane be?

• 100 miles

• 500 miles

• 700 miles

• 300 miles

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

• Lightning

• High winds

• Storm surge

• Heavy rain

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

• 45,000

• 25,000

• 60,000

• 10,000

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

• Hurricane Andrew

• Hurricane Sandy

• Hurricane Harvey

• Hurricane Katrina

What do hurricane hunters do to help predict hurricanes?

• Fly around the storm

• Fly directly into the storm

• Observe from satellites

• Use ground-based radars

What new technology is helping scientists understand hurricanes better?

• 3D models

• Virtual reality

• 2D models

• 4D models