Hurricane Formation and Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

Why do native cultures often develop stories about gods associated with wind and storms?

  • To explain the powerful and unpredictable nature of these phenomena in relatable terms. (correct)
  • To document historical weather events with religious allegories for future generations.
  • To accurately predict future weather patterns using divine knowledge.
  • To gain control over the weather through worship and sacrifice, ensuring favorable conditions.

Which combination of factors is essential for hurricane formation?

  • Cold ocean temperatures, high-pressure systems, and strong prevailing winds.
  • Polar jet stream activity, mountainous terrain, and high humidity levels.
  • Cold air masses meeting warm air masses over land, creating instability.
  • Warm ocean temperatures, low-pressure systems, and minimal wind shear. (correct)

What primary mechanism drives the high wind speeds observed in hurricanes?

  • The Coriolis effect deflecting air masses, creating a rotational force that accelerates wind speeds.
  • The friction between air masses and the Earth's surface, increasing wind speeds near the eyewall.
  • The convergence of high and low-pressure systems, generating strong pressure gradients that accelerate airflow.
  • The rapid condensation of water vapor, releasing latent heat that warms the air and causes it to rise quickly. (correct)

How does the Coriolis effect influence the path and rotation of hurricanes?

<p>It deflects hurricanes to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, inducing rotation. (D)</p>
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What is the relationship between the Earth's rotation at the poles versus the equator?

<p>The equator has a faster rotational speed than the poles due to the larger circumference. (C)</p>
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In which direction do cyclones rotate in the Southern Hemisphere, and why?

<p>Clockwise, due to the Coriolis effect deflecting moving air to the right. (C)</p>
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How does wind speed typically change as you approach the eye of a hurricane?

<p>Wind speed steadily increases until reaching the eyewall, where it is highest, then suddenly decreases in the eye. (C)</p>
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What role does the warm air surrounding a hurricane play in its sustenance?

<p>It provides the energy necessary for the hurricane to intensify through the release of latent heat. (C)</p>
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How does increased vertical wind shear typically affect a hurricane's intensity?

<p>It weakens the hurricane by disrupting its vertical structure and ventilation. (D)</p>
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What is the primary difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?

<p>Hurricanes have sustained wind speeds of 74 mph or higher, while tropical storms have lower wind speeds. (D)</p>
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Why are hurricanes more likely to form in late summer and early fall?

<p>This is when ocean temperatures are typically at their warmest, providing more energy. (C)</p>
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What causes the storm surge associated with hurricanes, and why is it dangerous?

<p>High winds pushing water onshore, resulting in coastal inundation that can cause significant damage. (B)</p>
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How do scientists use weather models to predict the track and intensity of hurricanes?

<p>By using complex computer simulations that incorporate atmospheric and oceanic data. (B)</p>
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Why do hurricanes typically weaken when they move over land?

<p>The lack of warm ocean water cuts off the storm's energy source, reducing wind speeds. (C)</p>
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How might climate change affect the frequency and intensity of hurricanes?

<p>Climate change is expected to decrease the frequency of hurricanes but increase their intensity due to warmer ocean temperatures. (A)</p>
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What are the key differences between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?

<p>A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area, while a hurricane warning means they are expected. (D)</p>
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Why is it important to evacuate low-lying coastal areas during a hurricane?

<p>To protect against storm surge, high winds, and flooding that can cause significant damage and risk to life. (C)</p>
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How can building codes and land-use planning help mitigate the impacts of hurricanes?

<p>By requiring stronger building standards, elevating structures, and preserving natural barriers like wetlands. (D)</p>
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What role do wetlands and mangrove forests play in coastal protection during hurricanes?

<p>They act as natural buffers, absorbing wave energy and reducing storm surge impacts. (D)</p>
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Besides wind and storm surge, what other hazards are commonly associated with hurricanes?

<p>Heavy rainfall, inland flooding, tornadoes, and landslides. (B)</p>
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Flashcards

Who is Huracan?

According to native cultures, the god who brought wind and storms is known as Huracan.

Hurricane ingredients

The core ingredients are warm ocean water, moisture, and converging winds.

Hurricane's strong winds

Hurricanes gain strength due to the release of latent heat as warm, moist air rises and condenses, fueling thunderstorms.

Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect deflects the path of hurricanes, causing them to spin.

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Poles vs. Equator Rotation

False. The poles have a slower rotation speed compared to the equator.

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Cyclone spin direction

In the southern hemisphere, cyclones spin clockwise, while in the northern hemisphere, cyclones spin counterclockwise.

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Wind Speed Near the Eye

Wind speed increases as you move closer to the eye of the hurricane.

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Warm air around a hurricane

The air around a hurricane is kept warm due to the release of latent heat during condensation of water vapor.

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Study Notes

  • Some native cultures have stories of a god who brings wind and storms
  • Hurricanes require basic ingredients
  • Something creates strong winds in a hurricane
  • Something deflects the path of hurricanes, causing them to spin
  • The poles of the Earth rotate slower than the equator (True or False)
  • Cyclones in the southern hemisphere spin in a certain direction
  • Cyclones in the northern hemisphere spin in a certain direction
  • Wind speed Changes as you move closer to the eye of the hurricane
  • The air around a hurricane is kept warm for a reason

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