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Questions and Answers
Hurricanes are called major hurricanes if they are at least a category ______ on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Hurricanes are called major hurricanes if they are at least a category ______ on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
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Which of the following statements is true about hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons?
Which of the following statements is true about hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons?
Hurricanes do not form at or within 5°N or S of the equator because ______.
Hurricanes do not form at or within 5°N or S of the equator because ______.
the Coriolis effect is too weak
Which of the following are true about the hurricane season in the Atlantic and U.S. Gulf Coast?
Which of the following are true about the hurricane season in the Atlantic and U.S. Gulf Coast?
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Barometric pressure, wind speed, storm surge, and storm damage are all used to classify hurricanes on the ______ scale.
Barometric pressure, wind speed, storm surge, and storm damage are all used to classify hurricanes on the ______ scale.
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How do Cape Verde-type hurricanes form?
How do Cape Verde-type hurricanes form?
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Which of the following would be typical for a hurricane in the North Atlantic-Caribbean-Gulf of Mexico region?
Which of the following would be typical for a hurricane in the North Atlantic-Caribbean-Gulf of Mexico region?
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An easterly wave is a disturbance that develops within the ____ winds.
An easterly wave is a disturbance that develops within the ____ winds.
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Hurricane ____ was the third most deadly hurricane in US history.
Hurricane ____ was the third most deadly hurricane in US history.
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Why does the breaking of windows normally precede the removal of a roof by a hurricane?
Why does the breaking of windows normally precede the removal of a roof by a hurricane?
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How does the formation of an easterly wave lead to the development of a Cape Verde-type hurricane?
How does the formation of an easterly wave lead to the development of a Cape Verde-type hurricane?
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______ are elongate, north-south oriented disturbances in the trade winds that are known to sometimes result in the formation of Cape Verde-type hurricanes.
______ are elongate, north-south oriented disturbances in the trade winds that are known to sometimes result in the formation of Cape Verde-type hurricanes.
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In August 1992, Hurricane ______ began as a Cape Verde-type hurricane by moving off the western coast of Africa as a thunderstorm.
In August 1992, Hurricane ______ began as a Cape Verde-type hurricane by moving off the western coast of Africa as a thunderstorm.
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What causes the most hurricane-related deaths?
What causes the most hurricane-related deaths?
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The hurricanes that form from ______ that develop in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) are known as Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico-type hurricanes.
The hurricanes that form from ______ that develop in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) are known as Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico-type hurricanes.
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The ITCZ is _____ of the equator in January.
The ITCZ is _____ of the equator in January.
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Which of the following are known to strongly influence the path of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean?
Which of the following are known to strongly influence the path of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean?
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Hurricane ____ dumped a tremendous amount of rain in Central America in October 1998, causing not only flooding but also deadly mudflows.
Hurricane ____ dumped a tremendous amount of rain in Central America in October 1998, causing not only flooding but also deadly mudflows.
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Which of the following best describes the forecasting of hurricanes by the National Hurricane Center?
Which of the following best describes the forecasting of hurricanes by the National Hurricane Center?
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Caribbean-type hurricanes form by ______.
Caribbean-type hurricanes form by ______.
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What is the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in January that results in a shutting down of Caribbean-type hurricane formation?
What is the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in January that results in a shutting down of Caribbean-type hurricane formation?
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Conditions that favor Cape Verde- and Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico-type hurricanes include ____ sea-surface temperatures and ____ atmospheric pressure conditions in the Caribbean.
Conditions that favor Cape Verde- and Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico-type hurricanes include ____ sea-surface temperatures and ____ atmospheric pressure conditions in the Caribbean.
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Hurricane ______ started as a tropical depression on 22 October 1998 and grew to become one of the strongest category 5 hurricanes on record.
Hurricane ______ started as a tropical depression on 22 October 1998 and grew to become one of the strongest category 5 hurricanes on record.
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What changes began in 1979 regarding the naming of hurricanes in the North Atlantic Basin?
What changes began in 1979 regarding the naming of hurricanes in the North Atlantic Basin?
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True or false? The best way to study hurricanes is to concentrate solely on hurricane data.
True or false? The best way to study hurricanes is to concentrate solely on hurricane data.
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What group is responsible for tracking and forecasting hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin?
What group is responsible for tracking and forecasting hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin?
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Hurricanes in the Atlantic basin seem to have decades-long patterns of activity. Which long-term pattern below seems to be linked to this?
Hurricanes in the Atlantic basin seem to have decades-long patterns of activity. Which long-term pattern below seems to be linked to this?
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Which of the following are true about the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index?
Which of the following are true about the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index?
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What factors listed below are thought to increase the number of hurricanes that form in any one hurricane season?
What factors listed below are thought to increase the number of hurricanes that form in any one hurricane season?
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Which of the following are accurate about the naming of hurricanes in the North Atlantic basin?
Which of the following are accurate about the naming of hurricanes in the North Atlantic basin?
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When trying to understand the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, it is best to ______.
When trying to understand the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, it is best to ______.
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The Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV) is ______.
The Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV) is ______.
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The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index is ______.
The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index is ______.
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How did Hurricane Irene cause most of the deaths attributed to it?
How did Hurricane Irene cause most of the deaths attributed to it?
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Hurricane evacuation warnings ______.
Hurricane evacuation warnings ______.
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______ live for a few days, have individual characteristics and personalities, and are therefore named after humans.
______ live for a few days, have individual characteristics and personalities, and are therefore named after humans.
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What are huge tropical cyclones called?
What are huge tropical cyclones called?
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The massive amounts of water hurricanes push onshore form what is known as storm ______.
The massive amounts of water hurricanes push onshore form what is known as storm ______.
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Most of the damage from Hurricane Sandy was caused directly by ______.
Most of the damage from Hurricane Sandy was caused directly by ______.
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What happens to the people who ignore warnings to evacuate from the projected path of a hurricane?
What happens to the people who ignore warnings to evacuate from the projected path of a hurricane?
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True or false? Elevators are safe to use in natural disasters.
True or false? Elevators are safe to use in natural disasters.
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Hurricanes are given human names because ______.
Hurricanes are given human names because ______.
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Which of the following accurately describe hurricanes?
Which of the following accurately describe hurricanes?
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Which of the following sets of conditions are most favorable for hurricane formation?
Which of the following sets of conditions are most favorable for hurricane formation?
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Which of the following are common hazards associated with hurricanes?
Which of the following are common hazards associated with hurricanes?
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Why do hurricanes need warm sea-surface temperatures to form?
Why do hurricanes need warm sea-surface temperatures to form?
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Which of the following describes the proper use of elevators during natural disasters?
Which of the following describes the proper use of elevators during natural disasters?
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Order the stages involved in forming a hurricane: (Place the first step at the top.)
Order the stages involved in forming a hurricane: (Place the first step at the top.)
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______ km/hr is the minimum wind speed needed for hurricane classification because it is the speed at which incoming winds do not reach the eye of the storm.
______ km/hr is the minimum wind speed needed for hurricane classification because it is the speed at which incoming winds do not reach the eye of the storm.
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Select all the conditions listed below that are ideal for hurricane formation.
Select all the conditions listed below that are ideal for hurricane formation.
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Clouds and rainfall in hurricanes are organized into ______ that move in rotating spirals around the center of a hurricane.
Clouds and rainfall in hurricanes are organized into ______ that move in rotating spirals around the center of a hurricane.
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The air inside a hurricane is ascending, whereas just outside the storm the air is ______.
The air inside a hurricane is ascending, whereas just outside the storm the air is ______.
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Where does the latent heat that fuels the formation of hurricanes come from?
Where does the latent heat that fuels the formation of hurricanes come from?
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Match the weather system to its description.
Match the weather system to its description.
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Hurricane eyewalls contain the highest wind speeds because ______.
Hurricane eyewalls contain the highest wind speeds because ______.
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What happens at wind speeds of about 119 km/hr (74 mph) that makes that speed the minimum for hurricane classification?
What happens at wind speeds of about 119 km/hr (74 mph) that makes that speed the minimum for hurricane classification?
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Which of the following accurately describe the structure of hurricanes?
Which of the following accurately describe the structure of hurricanes?
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Why are there often clear skies around a hurricane?
Why are there often clear skies around a hurricane?
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Hurricanes have warm cores because ______.
Hurricanes have warm cores because ______.
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Converging winds that rotate up around the center of hurricane without reaching the center form a(n) ______ around the core.
Converging winds that rotate up around the center of hurricane without reaching the center form a(n) ______ around the core.
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What is the hazard posed by small (150 m) twisting vortices being pulled into the eyewall of a hurricane?
What is the hazard posed by small (150 m) twisting vortices being pulled into the eyewall of a hurricane?
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Where are tornadoes most likely to form in a hurricane?
Where are tornadoes most likely to form in a hurricane?
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As stronger winds cause waves to grow larger, the amount of energy lost to ______ increases as the wind moves over the ocean.
As stronger winds cause waves to grow larger, the amount of energy lost to ______ increases as the wind moves over the ocean.
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How does the inward drop in air pressure cause heat to be added to a hurricane that is over the ocean?
How does the inward drop in air pressure cause heat to be added to a hurricane that is over the ocean?
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Which of the following accurately describe the eyewall of a hurricane?
Which of the following accurately describe the eyewall of a hurricane?
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The winds from a vortex moving in the same direction as a hurricane's direction will ______ the winds from the storm.
The winds from a vortex moving in the same direction as a hurricane's direction will ______ the winds from the storm.
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Which of the following are true about hurricanes and the energy involved with them?
Which of the following are true about hurricanes and the energy involved with them?
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Which of the following hurricane characteristics favor the formation of tornadoes?
Which of the following hurricane characteristics favor the formation of tornadoes?
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Which of the following accurately describe the flow of energy in a hurricane?
Which of the following accurately describe the flow of energy in a hurricane?
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The inward drop in air pressure in a hurricane allows inward flowing air to ______ below the sea-surface temperature, which in turn allows more heat to flow in from the sea.
The inward drop in air pressure in a hurricane allows inward flowing air to ______ below the sea-surface temperature, which in turn allows more heat to flow in from the sea.
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If a hurricane collides with a weather front, it will mix with colder air and can transform into a ______.
If a hurricane collides with a weather front, it will mix with colder air and can transform into a ______.
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The average hurricane generates energy at a rate that is ______ times greater than our worldwide capacity to generate electricity.
The average hurricane generates energy at a rate that is ______ times greater than our worldwide capacity to generate electricity.
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Which of the following distinguish hurricanes from storms formed at higher latitudes?
Which of the following distinguish hurricanes from storms formed at higher latitudes?
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The storms called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean are called ______ in the Indian Ocean and ______ in the Western Pacific.
The storms called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean are called ______ in the Indian Ocean and ______ in the Western Pacific.
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A hurricane that encounters an upper level trough will lose the power to its warm core and the storm transfers to a post-tropical ______ with a ______ core.
A hurricane that encounters an upper level trough will lose the power to its warm core and the storm transfers to a post-tropical ______ with a ______ core.
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Hurricanes cannot cross the equator because ______.
Hurricanes cannot cross the equator because ______.
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Unlike storms formed at higher latitudes, ______ are unique in that warm air descends in their centers and wind speeds decrease with increasing height.
Unlike storms formed at higher latitudes, ______ are unique in that warm air descends in their centers and wind speeds decrease with increasing height.
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Study Notes
Hurricane Impact and Characteristics
- Most deaths from Hurricane Irene resulted from wind damage and inland flooding.
- Evacuation warnings are crucial to prevent casualties and should always be taken seriously.
- Hurricanes, which can exhibit unique characteristics, are named after humans to reflect their individuality.
- Defined as large tropical cyclones, hurricanes can cause extensive damage, primarily through storm surge.
Formation and Development
- Storm surge is caused by the vast amounts of water pushed onshore by hurricanes.
- The stages of hurricane formation include the development of tropical disturbances, depressions, storms, and finally hurricanes, which maintain winds exceeding 119 km/h.
- Ideal conditions for hurricane formation include warm, humid air, surface water temperatures above 27°C, and weak upper-level winds.
Hazards and Safety Measures
- Common hazards associated with hurricanes include storm surges, tornadoes, and inland flooding.
- Elevators should not be used during natural disasters due to safety risks; they can become traps during emergencies.
- Tornadoes can form within hurricanes, primarily in the right front quadrant of the storm.
Energy Dynamics
- Warmer sea-surface temperatures are crucial for hurricane formation as they allow for increased evaporation and heat transfer into the storm.
- Hurricanes generate energy at rates around 200 times greater than global electricity generation capacity.
- The inward drop in air pressure allows warmer air from the ocean to elevate heat, contributing to hurricane intensity.
Structural Components
- The eyewall of a hurricane contains the highest wind speeds and is characterized by spiraling winds.
- Rain bands encircle the hurricane's center, where rainfall is most intense.
- Cool descending air outside the storm creates clearer skies, while the region within experiences warm, ascending air.
Classification and Naming
- Hurricanes are classified on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with category 3 and above deemed major hurricanes.
- They have different names based on geographical location: hurricanes in the Atlantic, typhoons in the Western Pacific, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean.
Unique Considerations
- Hurricanes cannot cross the equator due to the weakening of the Coriolis effect.
- Conditions unique to hurricanes include a warm core that descends, leading to decreased wind speeds with increasing height.
- The Atlantic hurricane season peaks when sea-surface temperatures are highest, with numerous storm formations occurring each year.
Energy Flow and Environmental Interactions
- The mixing of hurricanes with weather fronts can lead to transformations into post-tropical cyclones.
- The inward flow of air contributes to additional heat absorption from the ocean, while heat is lost from rising air through radiation.
- Turbulent energy interactions with existing weather systems can intensify storm characteristics and impact.
Additional Facts
- Hurricanes form from easterly waves within the trade winds, significantly affecting weather patterns.
- The borometric pressure, wind speed, and storm surge are vital metrics for classifying hurricane intensity and potential damage.### Hurricane Formation and Characteristics
- Hurricanes can develop from easterly waves, which are north-south oriented disturbances within trade winds.
- They often emerge from preexisting convective storms near the islands off northwest Africa.
- The subtropical jet stream can lead to the formation of hurricanes when cut-off loops descend to the surface.
Seasonal and Spatial Patterns
- Typical hurricanes in the North Atlantic-Caribbean-Gulf region form in late summer and can last from 1 to 30 days.
- Hurricanes might initially move eastward before shifting south and then westward.
- Cape Verde-type hurricanes develop off the western coast of Africa, while Caribbean-type hurricanes arise from thunderstorms in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Notable Hurricanes
- Hurricane Andrew was the third most deadly hurricane in U.S. history, causing significant destruction in Florida in August 1992.
- Hurricane Mitch, which occurred in October 1998, was catastrophic in Central America, notably Honduras and Nicaragua.
Hurricane Dynamics
- The breaking of windows in a hurricane typically precedes roof removal, as it allows wind to tear the house structure and subsequently lift the roof.
- The size and atmospheric conditions of hurricanes are influenced by ocean temperature and pressure systems.
Factors Influencing Hurricane Path
- The path of hurricanes is influenced by existing high- and low-pressure systems, trade winds, and the Coriolis effect.
- The Bermuda High’s position affects hurricane trajectories; its smallest size suggests a tendency toward a specific path.
Death Toll and Safety Measures
- Poorly constructed buildings contribute significantly to hurricane-related fatalities.
- The National Hurricane Center has improved hurricane forecasting, leading to timely evacuations and life savings.
Naming and Classification
- Since 1979, both male and female names have been used to name hurricanes, with names retired after extreme events.
- The naming system includes using Greek letters for storms beyond the 21st named storm in a year.
Climate Patterns and Hurricane Intensity
- The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and temperature fluctuations influence long-term hurricane activity patterns.
- Warmer sea-surface temperatures and wetter conditions in regions like the Western Sahel increase hurricane formation likelihood.
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE)
- The ACE index measures the total energy output of hurricanes, providing insight into their intensity and longevity.
- Hurricane Ivan (2004) exemplified high energy release compared to entire hurricane seasons.
Research and Understanding
- Understanding hurricanes requires studying broader climatic processes rather than focusing solely on hurricane data.
- The Atlantic Multidecadal Variability involves alternating patterns of sea-surface temperatures affecting hurricane activity.
Conclusion
- Effective hurricane tracking and forecasting play crucial roles in minimizing damage and saving lives as patterns and intensities evolve due to climatic changes.
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Description
This quiz explores the impact, formation, and hazards of hurricanes. Learn about the vital characteristics of hurricanes, including storm surges and the importance of evacuation warnings. Understand the stages of hurricane development and the ideal conditions necessary for their formation.
