Question

The energy that powers a hurricane is derived from

Answer 1

The energy that powers a hurricane comes from the heat released during the condensation of rising moist air over warm ocean waters, helped by the low atmospheric pressure and the Coriolis effect due to Earth's rotation, creating a self-sustaining system of strong winds and heavy rainfall once it reaches hurricane status.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy that powers a hurricane is primarily derived from the heat released when moist air rises and condenses to form clouds and rain. This process begins over warm ocean waters, typically greater than 80 °F, where the heat causes the air to rise rapidly. The rising air creates a low pressure area beneath it, drawing in surrounding air and setting up strong wind currents.

The Earth's rotation then imparts the Coriolis force, causing the storm system to rotate cyclonically — counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. As the atmospheric pressure drops within the system, it results in the intensification of the storm and an increase in wind velocity. Furthermore, this process feeds on itself as more warm, moist air is drawn into the cyclone, releasing more heat and driving stronger winds.

Thus, the combination of warm water, the resulting condensation and heat release, and the Earth's rotational forces are key in powering a hurricane. Once the storm system achieves sustained winds of 74 miles per hour, it is classified as a hurricane.

Answer 2

A tropical cyclone's primary energy source is the release of the heat of condensation from water vapor condensing at high altitudes, with solar heating being the initial source for evaporation.

The secret energy source of a hurricane is the large latent heat of water.

Tropical cyclones are like giant engines that use warm, moist air as fuel. That is why they form only over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air over the ocean rises upward from near the surface.As the warmed, moist air rises and cools off, the water in the air forms clouds.