Why do hurricanes form over oceans?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Warm water provides energy
Ocean salt powers storms — Wrong. Salt doesn't power hurricanes. Warm ocean water (above 26°C) provides the energy through evaporation and condensation.
Warm water provides energy ✓ — Correct! Hurricanes need warm ocean water (>26°C) as fuel. Warm water evaporates, rises, cools, and condenses—releasing heat energy. This powers the storm. They form over tropical oceans where water is warmest. Over land, they weaken rapidly because they lose their warm water energy source. That's why coastal areas are most vulnerable!
Deep water allows rotation — Wrong. Depth doesn't matter. Hurricanes form over warm surface water because evaporation and condensation release energy that powers the storm.