Hurricanes

?
How hurricanes form (1)
Hurricanes need a lot of heat to form, which is why they usually occur over tropical seas (at least 26°C).
1 of 9
How hurricanes form (2)
The sun is close to the equator, providing energy to heat the ocean.
2 of 9
How hurricanes form (3)
The warm ocean heats the air above it causing it to rise rapidly.
3 of 9
How hurricanes form (4)
Water evaporates quickly from the hot surface of the ocean, so the rising air contains great amounts of water vapour.
4 of 9
How hurricanes form (5)
The rising air starts to spin (clockwise in the northern hemisphere)
5 of 9
How hurricanes form (6)
The centre of the storm - the eye - is calm.
6 of 9
How hurricanes form (7)
As the air rises it cools, condenses and forms towering cumulonimbus clouds.
7 of 9
How hurricanes form (8)
The rapidly rising air creates an area of intense low pressure. The low pressure sucks in air, causing very strong winds.
8 of 9
How hurricanes form (9)
Once the storm moves over land it starts to lose energy and fades.
9 of 9

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

The sun is close to the equator, providing energy to heat the ocean.

Back

How hurricanes form (2)

Card 3

Front

The warm ocean heats the air above it causing it to rise rapidly.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Water evaporates quickly from the hot surface of the ocean, so the rising air contains great amounts of water vapour.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The rising air starts to spin (clockwise in the northern hemisphere)

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Geography resources:

See all Geography resources »See all Natural hazards resources »