What is the fuel source for hurricanes?

• A. Cold ocean water fuels hurricanes
• B. High wind shear fuels hurricanes
• C. Dry air fuels hurricanes
• D. Warm ocean water fuels hurricanes

Answer: (D)

Warm ocean water provides the energy that powers hurricanes. When the sea surface is warm, a lot of water evaporates into the air. This water vapor rises and then cools, condenses, and releases latent heat. That heat release fuels the intense thunderstorms and the organized, rotating system that becomes a hurricane. The warmer the water, the more evaporation and energy are available to drive the storm. In contrast, cold water lowers the energy supply, high wind shear tends to disrupt the storm’s structure, and dry air makes it harder for convection to stay moist and vigorous. So the key energy source fueling hurricanes is warm ocean water.