Final answer:
A hurricane with winds of 105 mph is classified as a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which has a 1 to 5 rating system based on sustained wind speed and the potential for damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Saffir-Simpson classification scale, a hurricane with winds with speeds of 105 mph is categorized as a Category 2 hurricane. The Saffir-Simpson scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. However, a Category 2 hurricane can also cause extensive damage due to powerful winds and the resultant storm surge.
Hurricanes are powerful cyclonic systems that form over warm waters and can have devastating impacts on land. They are classified as tropical depressions when wind speeds are between 25 and 38 mph, upgraded to tropical storms when winds reach 39 to 73 mph, and designated as hurricanes when winds exceed 74 mph. The rapid rising of warm, humid air and the earth's rotation contribute to their strength and cyclonic motion, leading to life-threatening conditions including heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges.