Question:

“It is unclear whether global warming is increasing hurricane frequency around the world, but it seems to be increasing hurricane intensity.” Sarah heard this statement on the evening news. She went into school the next day and shared this statement with her science teacher. “Let’s check the data,” suggested Mr. Garcia. “What do we know from our science lessons?"

Hurricanes form above warm ocean water. It is thought that the warmer the water, the stronger the storm. According to weather forecasters and NOAA, the Earth warmer one degree Fahrenheit over the 20th century. The warmer Earth has also caused sea surface temperatures to rise. Researchers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research continue to examine data to learn more about hurricanes and any changes over the recent decades because of global warming.

Based on the data Mr. Garcia's students located on-line, respond to their hypothesis:
As sea surface temperature increases, hurricane intensity increases.