What causes hurricanes to increase in strength?(1 point)
Responses
cooler water temperature
cooler water temperature
moving onto land
moving onto land
slower wind speeds
slower wind speeds
lower central air pressure
lower central air pressure
Lower central air pressure
The correct answer is lower central air pressure. Lower central air pressure is what causes hurricanes to increase in strength. To understand this, we need to explore the basic principles of hurricane formation.
Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, typically above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). When warm and moist air rises from the ocean surface, it creates an area of low pressure. As more warm air rises to fill in this low-pressure area, it eventually forms a rotating system, or a tropical cyclone.
The strength of a hurricane is directly related to the central air pressure. When the central air pressure in a hurricane is lower, it creates a stronger storm. This is because the lower central pressure allows more air to rise rapidly, creating stronger updrafts and leading to more condensation and energy release.
As a result of this release of energy, hurricanes can cause more intense winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. The low central pressure acts as the "engine" that powers the hurricane.
To summarize, the main factor that causes hurricanes to increase in strength is a lower central air pressure.