What causes hurricanes to increase in strength?(1 point)
Responses
slower wind speeds
slower wind speeds
cooler water temperature
cooler water temperature
moving onto land
moving onto land
lower central air pressure
lower central air pressure
The main factor causing hurricanes to increase in strength is a lower central air pressure. When the air pressure at the center of the hurricane drops, it creates a pressure difference between the center and the surrounding areas. This difference in pressure causes air to rush towards the center, resulting in stronger winds. Slower wind speeds, cooler water temperature, and moving onto land can all have an impact on the hurricane's strength, but a lower central air pressure is the primary driver of increased intensity.
Which property does the Saffir-Simpson scale use to categorize hurricanes?(1 point)
Responses
storm surge
storm surge
water temperature
water temperature
wind speed
wind speed
storm diameter
storm diameter
The Saffir-Simpson scale categorizes hurricanes based on their wind speed.
The correct answer is lower central air pressure.
To understand why lower central air pressure causes hurricanes to increase in strength, we need to explain the process of hurricane formation and intensification.
Hurricanes are tropical cyclones characterized by rotating winds around a low-pressure center called the eye. They form over warm ocean waters when the atmospheric conditions are favorable. The three main factors that contribute to hurricane development and strength are wind speeds, water temperature, and air pressure.
While slower wind speeds and cooler water temperature can affect a hurricane's development, they do not directly cause an increase in strength. Slower wind speeds may limit the intensity of the hurricane, and cooler water temperature can weaken the storm system. However, these factors alone are not enough to enhance a hurricane's strength.
On the other hand, lower central air pressure plays a crucial role in intensifying hurricanes. As hurricanes develop, the low-pressure center causes air to ascend and create a vacuum at the surface. This prompts surrounding air to rush in towards the center, resulting in stronger winds. The greater the difference in air pressure between the eye and its surroundings, the stronger the winds of the hurricane become.
Therefore, when the central air pressure of a hurricane decreases, the pressure difference between the eye and its surroundings increases. This leads to a more significant inward rush of air and stronger winds, consequently causing the hurricane to increase in strength.
In summary, while slower wind speeds and cooler water temperatures can impact hurricanes, it is the decrease in central air pressure that directly contributes to their intensification and increased strength.