What causes hurricanes to increase in strength?(1 point)
Responses
cooler water temperature
cooler water temperature
slower wind speeds
slower wind speeds
lower central air pressure
lower central air pressure
moving onto land
moving onto land
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The correct response is lower central air pressure.
Lower central air pressure is the main factor that causes hurricanes to increase in strength.
To understand what causes hurricanes to increase in strength, we need to look at the conditions that contribute to their formation and intensification. A hurricane typically forms over warm ocean waters, usually with surface temperatures of at least 26.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). Here's how each option relates to the strength of a hurricane:
1. Cooler water temperature: Cooler water temperatures can limit the potential for a hurricane to strengthen or even cause it to weaken. Hurricanes require warm water as their primary energy source. If the water temperature drops significantly, it can deprive the hurricane of the heat needed to sustain its strength.
2. Slower wind speeds: Wind speed plays a crucial role in the development of hurricanes. Slower wind speeds can hinder the organization and intensification of a storm. Hurricanes rely on strong, sustained winds to maintain their structure and gather more energy from the warm ocean waters.
3. Lower central air pressure: A drop in central air pressure within a hurricane can contribute to its strengthening. As air pressure decreases, air circulates faster towards the storm's center, creating stronger winds. These stronger winds can lead to a more intense and destructive hurricane.
4. Moving onto land: While hurricanes can initially gather strength over the ocean, when they move onto land, they tend to weaken. Land provides less moisture and warm air, which are essential ingredients for hurricanes. Land friction can also disrupt the storm's structure and slow down its wind speeds.
In summary, cooler water temperatures and slower wind speeds can inhibit the strengthening of hurricanes, while lower central air pressure and moving onto land can both lead to an increase in their strength.