Understanding Hurricanes and Their Impact

What is the primary factor that determines a hurricane's intensity?

• The speed of the wind

• The size of the storm

• The energy it can draw from warm ocean water

• The amount of moisture in the air

What was the estimated damage caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992?

• $50 billion

• $10 billion

• $100 billion

• $25 billion

How do scientists currently study hurricanes?

• By observing them from the ground

• By using remote instruments and flying into them

• By creating small-scale models in labs

• By analyzing historical data

What is a significant challenge in hurricane prediction?

• Predicting the time of landfall

• Predicting the exact path

• Predicting the duration

• Predicting the intensity

What is the main purpose of the SUSTAIN wind wave laboratory?

• To predict the path of hurricanes

• To simulate hurricane conditions for research

• To measure the temperature of the ocean

• To track hurricanes from space

What happens to the drag on a hurricane as wind speeds reach a certain high level?

• It decreases significantly

• It causes the storm to dissipate

• It levels off and stops slowing the storm

• It increases significantly

What analogy is used to describe the effect of high-speed winds on hurricane drag?

• A car losing traction on an icy road

• A bird gliding in the air

• A boat sailing smoothly

• A plane taking off

What natural features are considered the best defenses against hurricanes?

• Deserts

• Sand dunes and beaches

• Mountain ranges

• Mangrove forests and coral reefs

What is the role of sea hives in hurricane mitigation?

• To increase wave energy

• To measure ocean temperature

• To break waves offshore and dissipate energy

• To attract marine life

Why is it important to study hurricanes in detail?

• To develop new technologies

• To minimize risks and save lives

• To create more accurate weather forecasts

• To understand ocean currents