Questions

Question 1

A tropical storm is characterized by: (Choose the best answer.)

The correct answer is c.

If you missed this question, review the information in the beginning of this section.

Question 2

True or False: Hurricane formation requires strong winds at the upper levels of the atmosphere.

The correct answer is False.

Conditions for hurricane formation include light winds through most of the atmosphere

Question 3

True or False: Hurricane formation requires ocean temperatures of at least 80°F (26.5°C).

The correct answer is True.

Question 4

True or False: Hurricane formation requires a weather disturbance that can produce thunderstorms.

The correct answer is True.

Conditions for hurricane formation include:

  • Light winds through most of the atmosphere
  • Ocean temperatures of at least 80°F (26.5°C)
  • An initiating weather disturbance that occurs at least 300 miles (482 km) from the equator
  • Sufficient atmospheric moisture and temperatures that cool with height, both of which promote thunderstorm development

Question 5

Looking at the cloud motion in the animation, which of the following is mostly likely occurring at the surface?

The correct answer is c.

LA has north winds and FL has south winds. The clouds circulate counter-clockwise around the hurricane, so over LA they are moving from land toward the sea (winds from the north), while clouds over FL are moving from the sea toward the land (winds from the south).

Visible satellite image of a hurricane approaching the Gulf Coast with wind directions marked on either side

Question 6

Assuming this hurricane is moving toward the north, where would you expect higher wind speeds?
Satellite image of Hurricane Rita with Texas and Louisiana delineated.

The correct answer is "Star". On the east side of the storm, the hurricane's winds are compounded by the steering wind speed because they are both moving in the same direction. On the west side (circle), the hurricane's winds are moving from north to south, while the steering winds are moving in the opposite direction, generally resulting in lower speeds.

Question 7

Hurricanes do not form in December.

The correct answer is False.

While hurricanes are unlikely in December, they have occurred, as shown in this graphic from the "Season" subsection.
Number of storms per 100 years

Question 8

On average, a hurricane is usually 500 miles (800 km) in diameter.

The correct answer is False.

Hurricane size can vary from a little more than 100 mi to more than 500 mi (160 to 800 km), but the average size for Atlantic hurricanes is 300 miles (480 km).

Question 9

Tropical storm force winds generally extend out about 175 miles (280 km) from a hurricane's center.

The correct answer is True.

Typically, tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph or 34-63 kt) occur 125 to 175 miles (200 to 280 km) out from the center, although they can extend as far out as about 300 miles (480 km) from a large hurricane.

Question 10

Surface winds around a hurricane rotate counterclockwise and inward. The winds contribute to forming the mound of water that eventually becomes a hurricane's storm surge, which is the major cause of coastal flooding. Looking at this color satellite image, which location will experience a greater storm surge? Assume that the hurricane is moving to the north.
Colorized satellite image of a hurricane approaching the Gulf Coast

The correct answer is c.

Location C will experience the greatest storm surge because surface winds will be pushing water toward the coastline. Notice the wind direction marked with arrows. The greatest impact from storm surge in the Northern Hemisphere occurs to the right of a hurricane's eye as you face the direction that the steering winds are blowing toward. More information about storm surge is available in the Hazards/Storm Surge section.