Read the excerpt from How Hurricanes Form. The wind and the clouds that form create a system. A system is a pattern of weather. The system of clouds and winds continues to spin and grow. The water evaporating from the ocean's warm surface acts as the fuel, which is what helps this spinning and growing. The system rotates faster and faster until the eye of the storm forms in the center area. Ironically, the eye of the storm is the calmest part, and it has very low air pressure. The higher pressure above the hurricane continually flows down into the eye.

a view of a hurricane from space with the eye of the hurricane visible in the center of the hurricane
© iStock 2015

Outside of the eye of the hurricane, is the eye wall. This is where the most dangerous winds are found. Further outside that are the rain bands. The rain bands are a group of thick clouds. These clouds create the unique look of the hurricane. Hurricanes start out as tropical storms. They are known as hurricanes once their winds reach 74 miles per hour. The speed of the wind determines the category. Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds of 74-96 miles per hour. Category 5 hurricanes move at 157 miles per hour or higher.

Once hurricanes hit land, their speed lowers. This is because they are no longer being given energy, or fuel, from the warm ocean waters. As hurricanes move inland, they bring heavy rains and cause wind damage. The amount of rain and wind damage depends on the size and speed of the hurricane. Hurricanes can reach over 300 miles in width.

Select the statement that explains why hurricanes slow down when they are over land. (2 points)

a
Hurricanes need to be over the ocean near the equator in order to maintain power.

b
The land has more obstacles, so the hurricane slows down and loses power once it hits.

c
The land is cooler and no longer provides the warm, moist air from the ocean as fuel.

d
The land is warmer and creates a moister environment which slows down the hurricane.

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