Tsunami Vs Hurricane Quiz 11-10-2010

Explanation
A tsunami occurs when there is a disturbance in the water, typically caused by natural events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These disturbances create powerful waves that can travel across the ocean, causing significant damage and destruction when they reach the shoreline. Unlike hurricanes and storm surges, which are primarily driven by atmospheric conditions, tsunamis are triggered by seismic activity or geological events.

Explanation
Ocean water is salty because it gets mineral salts from rocks and soil in the rivers that lead to it. These mineral salts are carried by the rivers and eventually make their way into the ocean. The erosion of rocks and soil releases various minerals into the water, including sodium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium, which contribute to the salinity of the ocean water.

Explanation
Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise due to the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect is caused by the rotation of the Earth, which deflects the path of moving objects, including air masses. In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes rotate counterclockwise because the Coriolis effect causes the air to be deflected to the right. In the Southern Hemisphere, hurricanes rotate clockwise due to the opposite effect. This rotation direction is a result of the balance between the inward pull of low pressure at the center of the storm and the outward push of the rotating air.

Explanation
A storm surge is a rise in the ocean caused by a hurricane or tropical storm. This occurs when strong winds and low atmospheric pressure push water towards the shore, causing it to pile up and create a temporary increase in sea level. Storm surges can lead to coastal flooding and are often the most dangerous and damaging aspect of a hurricane or tropical storm.

Explanation
A hurricane that occurs in the western Pacific is called a typhoon. The term "typhoon" is specifically used to describe tropical cyclones that form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. These storms are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a well-defined eye. The term "hurricane" is used for similar storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean and eastern Pacific Ocean. The term "tornado" refers to a violent rotating column of air that is typically smaller and more localized than a hurricane or typhoon. A "thunderstorm" is a weather phenomenon characterized by thunder, lightning, and precipitation.