Hurricanes are fueled due to warm ocean water temperatures at the surface. The graph below shows the temperature of the ocean's surface since 1960. Suppose this trend continues. What prediction about hurricanes is BEST supported by the data?
*
5 points
Captionless Image
Hurricanes will likely be more powerful and more frequent.
Hurricanes will likely be less powerful but more frequent.
Hurricanes will likely be more powerful but less frequent.
Hurricanes will likely be less powerful and less frequent.
Based on the data, the prediction that is best supported is: Hurricanes will likely be more powerful and more frequent.
Based on the information provided, the BEST prediction about hurricanes supported by the data is that hurricanes will likely be more powerful and more frequent. This is because the graph shows a trend of increasing ocean surface temperatures since 1960, which is a key factor in the fueling and intensification of hurricanes.
To make a prediction about hurricanes based on the graph, we need to analyze the trend of the ocean's surface temperature since 1960. If the temperature of the ocean's surface has been consistently increasing over time, it suggests that hurricanes will be affected.
From the given answer choices, the prediction that is best supported by the data is "Hurricanes will likely be more powerful and more frequent." This is because hurricanes typically require warm ocean water temperatures to develop and strengthen. As the ocean's surface temperature increases, it provides more energy for hurricanes to form and intensify, resulting in both more powerful and more frequent hurricanes.
It is important to note that this prediction is based on the assumption that the trend of increasing ocean surface temperatures will continue. Other factors can also influence hurricane activity, such as atmospheric conditions, but for the given question, we are primarily focusing on the relationship between warmer ocean temperatures and hurricanes.