Final answer:
A hurricane transfers heat from the warm, moist air above tropical seas to its core, which is enabled by the rapid ascent and subsequent condensation of humid air, influencing the hurricane's strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hurricane acts as a heat engine, transferring heat from the warm, moist air above tropical seas into the core of the hurricane. This process involves the rapid ascent of heated air, which then cools and condenses, forming heavy rains and downdrafts of cooler air. This not only creates a low-pressure center that fuels the hurricane but also releases tremendous amounts of energy, which is largely responsible for the hurricane’s strength. The Coriolis effect, which is due to the Earth's rotation, causes these storms to rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Moreover, the heat taken from the ocean during water evaporation leads to the release of energy in the atmosphere when the water condenses, creating a cycle of warming and rising air, which then leads to further condensation and storm intensification.