Test Your Hurricane Knowledge - True Or False Quiz

1. Female, English-language names were used to name hurricanes beginning in 1953

True

False

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.

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.

2. Hurricanes only occur near water.

True

False

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

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.

3. Winds on either side of a hurricane blow at the same speed.

True

False

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air rises and cools, forming storm clouds and creating an area of low pressure. This low pressure draws in more air, causing the storm to spin and grow.

Explanation

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air rises and cools, forming storm clouds and creating an area of low pressure. This low pressure draws in more air, causing the storm to spin and grow.

4. Earthquakes are more common than hurricanes.

True

False

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

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.

5. Two hurricanes can come together to form a stronger storm.

True

False

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

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.