Question

Scientists hypothesize that storm waves lead to mixing of ocean layers, cooling the sea surface temperature by up to 8 degrees Celsius. Think about how hurricanes are fueled. How might this change in temperature affect the intensity of the storm?

Answer 1

Hurricanes are formed over the sea where the sea surface temperature is 26°C or above. At this temperature, it acquires the fuel that is necessary for the formation of hurricanes. The storm initially takes up the heat energy from the water. As a result of which the air in the atmosphere attains the moisture and with all proper wind conditions, it eventually forms a hurricane.

This formation of hurricane storms leads to the reduction in the sea surface temperature and the intensity of the storm depends upon the temperature of the sea surface. The sea surface releasing all of its heat energy intensifies the storm and makes it more stronger and vulnerable. A high sea surface temperature may give rise to the formation of an extremely destructive storm. The energy of this hurricane recedes as it passes over a cold water body or land areas.

Answer 2

The generation of a hurricane is complex, but ideally, it relies upon three elements, first is the need of warm water, at least 80 degrees; the second is the moist air; and ultimately, there is a need to converge winds for the formation of a hurricane.

The real procedure starts with a cluster of thunderstorms going through the ocean surface. When the surface of the water is warm, the storm sucks up the energy in the form of heat from the water, this develops moisture in the air. If the conditions of the wind are perfect, the storm turns into a hurricane.

This energy due to heat is the fuel for the storm. The warmer the water, the more moisture is in the air, which would suggest bigger and bigger hurricanes. Scientists utilize the temperature of the sea surface data from the satellites to assist in forecasting the intensity of storms.

Hurricane Katrina that was the third largest to make landfall in the United States, crossed over the Gulf waters, which exhibited temperatures between two or three degrees higher than usual.

This created winds to elevate over 140 mph, extending 100 miles from the eye of the storm. That is why the warming temperatures of the ocean matters; it's like supplementing fuel to a fire.