This item has two parts. First answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

Question

Many cities around the world are impacted by various natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and volcanoes. These natural disasters can bring deadly consequences and in some instances are not fully understood. One of the most wide-spread natural disasters in the United States are tornadoes.

Tornadoes are often confused with hurricanes, but it is important to note they are two distinctly different events. Tornadoes and hurricanes both form from strong rotating winds and carry the potential to cause damage to surrounding areas.

While they share some similarities, they are more different than they are alike. Tornadoes form over land close to the jet stream, while hurricanes form over water away from the jet stream. Tornadoes are often much smaller than hurricanes and develop much faster. Tornadoes develop so quickly that meteorologists often issue a warning just minutes prior to their complete formation. They also typically last no more than an hour; whereas hurricanes can last up to three weeks. Tornadoes can carry winds that are almost twice the speed of the average hurricane.

Part A.
Where would hurricanes have the largest impact on a population center?

rain forest (Manaus, Brazil)
river basin (New Orleans, United States)
open ocean (Pacific Ocean)
mountain range (Denver, United States)

Part B.
Which statement justifies the answer to Part A?

Proximity to water will increase the chance of flooding.
Surface water availability will decrease a hurricane's speed.
Geographical obstacles in the area will increase the chances of casualties.
Tree canopies will decrease the hurricane's death rate.

Answer 1

Part A: The population center where hurricanes would have the largest impact is the river basin (New Orleans, United States).

Part B: The statement that justifies the answer to Part A is: Proximity to water will increase the chance of flooding.