Question

Hurricanes are storms that bring rain and very high wind speeds to the gulf and Atlantic coastlines of the United States.

How do ocean currents influence the strength of a hurricane when it makes landfall?

A. The currents forced hurricanes to travel due north to southern coastlines.

B.Currents can provide warm water that gives hurricanes energy.

C. Currents take energy from hurricanes, slowing them down.

D. Currents are the force that pushes a hurricane across the ocean.

Answer 1

B. Currents can provide warm water that gives hurricanes energy.

Hurricanes draw heat and moisture from warm surface waters. Warm ocean currents (and areas of high ocean heat content) supply that energy and can help a storm strengthen or maintain intensity as it approaches land. Cooler currents or upwelling of cold water can weaken a hurricane.