Final answer:
Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters and can cause immense destruction through high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, and environmental impacts. Human-induced climate change is making hurricanes more frequent and intense, necessitating better disaster management and infrastructure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hurricanes are one of the most severe weather events, forming over warm ocean waters when the air above the sea surface heats up, causing it to rise quickly and create an area of low pressure beneath. As more air rushes in to replace the rising air, it too warms up and rises, leading to the formation of a system of clouds and storms that rotate due to the Earth's Coriolis Effect. When the winds within this system reach 74 mph, it is classified as a hurricane.
The destruction associated with hurricanes can be immense. Intense winds and heavy rainfall can lead to devastating structural damage, floods, and landslides. The storm surge—a rise in sea level caused by the hurricane—can inundate coastal areas, resulting in loss of life and property. Hurricanes are also known to have wider environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction and pollution. The aftermath of a hurricane can see communities grappling with homelessness, food and water shortages, and the economic burden of rebuilding.
Human activity can exacerbate the severity of hurricanes. Climate change, fueled by carbon dioxide emissions, is leading to warmer oceans and a more acidic environment, making hurricanes more frequent and intense. The destructive power of these storms, coupled with the increased exposure of human settlements along coastlines, has highlighted the urgent need for improved disaster management practices and resilient infrastructure.