Final answer:
Hurricanes primarily occur in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Pacific Rim, due to the presence of warm ocean water and the influence of the Coriolis force on their rotation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hurricanes primarily occur in tropical regions where waters are warm. Specifically, they are commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Pacific Rim, particularly in areas where the ocean water temperature exceeds 80 °F. These conditions are necessary for hurricanes to develop, as the warm water provides the energy required for their formation. The intense heat causes air to rise rapidly, creating strong winds and heavy rains. Additionally, the Coriolis force influences the rotation of hurricanes, causing them to spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Regions outside the tropics, such as the Arctic Circle, the South Atlantic, and the Northern Mediterranean are not typical locations for hurricane formation due to the lack of necessary warm water temperatures and other conducive environmental conditions.