Hurricane

Definition

A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a low-pressure center known as the eye. These storms form over warm ocean waters and are fueled by the heat and moisture evaporating from the sea, leading to significant atmospheric disturbances. The impact of hurricanes can be devastating, causing severe damage to coastal areas and altering weather patterns in surrounding regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hurricanes typically form in tropical regions where ocean temperatures are at least 26.5°C (about 80°F), providing the necessary heat to fuel the storm.
2. The Coriolis effect plays a crucial role in the rotation of hurricanes, causing them to spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes into five levels based on sustained wind speeds, with Category 1 being the least intense and Category 5 being extremely dangerous.
4. Hurricanes can lead to significant environmental changes, including alterations in marine ecosystems due to freshwater influx from rainfall and flooding.
5. The frequency and intensity of hurricanes are influenced by broader climate patterns, such as El Niño and La Niña, which can either enhance or suppress hurricane activity.

Review Questions

• How do ocean temperatures affect the formation and intensity of hurricanes?
  • Ocean temperatures play a critical role in the formation and intensity of hurricanes. Warm ocean water, typically at least 26.5°C (80°F), provides the necessary heat and moisture that fuel these storms. When sea surface temperatures are elevated, it enhances evaporation rates, leading to more significant storm development. This relationship between warm water and hurricane activity is why hurricanes are most prevalent during warm seasons when ocean temperatures peak.
• Evaluate the impact of the Coriolis effect on hurricane behavior and movement.
  • The Coriolis effect is essential in determining how hurricanes rotate and move across the globe. In the Northern Hemisphere, this effect causes hurricanes to spin counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they spin clockwise. Additionally, it influences their path by steering them toward the west initially before they curve poleward. Understanding this effect helps meteorologists predict hurricane tracks more accurately and assess potential impacts on land.
• Discuss the relationship between climate change and hurricane frequency/intensity, citing specific examples.
  • Climate change has been linked to increasing hurricane frequency and intensity due to rising ocean temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions. Warmer seas provide more energy for storms, leading to stronger hurricanes with higher wind speeds. For example, studies have shown that the number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has increased since the 1970s. Additionally, climate change is expected to result in more intense rainfall associated with hurricanes, increasing flooding risks for coastal communities.

Related terms

Tropical Storm: A tropical storm is a system of organized thunderstorms with sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph, which can potentially develop into a hurricane if conditions are favorable.

Cyclone: A cyclone is a generic term for any rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over warm tropical oceans, encompassing hurricanes and typhoons based on their location.

Storm Surge: A storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level caused by the wind and pressure effects of a hurricane, leading to coastal flooding and significant damage.