Test Your Hurricane Knowledge - True Or False Quiz

Explanation
Earthquakes are more common than hurricanes because earthquakes can occur in various parts of the world, including both land and sea, while hurricanes typically form in specific regions with warm ocean waters. Additionally, earthquakes can happen at any time, whereas hurricanes typically occur during specific seasons. The frequency of earthquakes is also higher compared to hurricanes, as there are numerous small earthquakes happening every day around the world.

Explanation
Hurricanes are large, powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters. They require a combination of warm water, moist air, and atmospheric instability to develop and strengthen. As a result, hurricanes can only occur near water bodies such as oceans and seas. The warm water provides the necessary energy for the storm, and the moisture in the air contributes to the formation of clouds and precipitation. Therefore, it is true that hurricanes only occur near water.

Explanation
The statement that winds on either side of a hurricane blow at the same speed is false. In a hurricane, winds rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The winds on the right side of the hurricane, known as the "right front quadrant," are typically stronger and more intense, while the winds on the left side, known as the "left front quadrant," are usually weaker. This difference in wind speed is due to the rotation and structure of the storm.

Explanation
Hurricanes do not come together to form a stronger storm. In fact, when two hurricanes come close to each other, they tend to interact in a way that weakens both storms. This phenomenon is known as the Fujiwhara effect. The interaction between the two storms can cause them to rotate around a common center, but it does not result in the formation of a stronger storm. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation
Female, English-language names were used to name hurricanes beginning in 1953. This is true. Prior to 1953, hurricanes were only given arbitrary names or were named after the location they affected. However, in 1953, the United States Weather Bureau started using female names for hurricanes in order to make it easier for the public to remember and track them. In 1979, the naming system was expanded to include both male and female names.