Which statement is FALSE about where hurricanes typically form?

Which statement is FALSE about where hurricanes typically form?

• A. Within warm tropical air masses
• B. Between the 2 degrees south and the Tropic of Capricorn
• C. Over warm ocean surface waters
• D. Within 2 degrees latitude of the equator.

Answer: (D)

Hurricanes typically form in regions where warm ocean waters and specific atmospheric conditions are present. One critical factor for hurricane formation is warm tropical air masses, which provide the necessary heat and moisture. Similarly, these storms develop over warm ocean surfaces, where water temperatures are generally at least 26°C (79°F), allowing for the energy transfer that fuels storm development. The statement that hurricanes can only form within 2 degrees latitude of the equator is misleading. While it is true that hurricanes form primarily near the equator due to the Coriolis effect, which is weaker at the equator, they can and do form beyond that range, usually forming between 5 degrees latitude and 30 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. This broader range encompasses several regions where favorable conditions exist for hurricane development. Thus, the false statement about the formation of hurricanes is that they occur strictly within 2 degrees latitude of the equator, as hurricanes can develop in a wider area along the tropical belt.

Hurricanes typically form in regions where warm ocean waters and specific atmospheric conditions are present. One critical factor for hurricane formation is warm tropical air masses, which provide the necessary heat and moisture. Similarly, these storms develop over warm ocean surfaces, where water temperatures are generally at least 26°C (79°F), allowing for the energy transfer that fuels storm development.

The statement that hurricanes can only form within 2 degrees latitude of the equator is misleading. While it is true that hurricanes form primarily near the equator due to the Coriolis effect, which is weaker at the equator, they can and do form beyond that range, usually forming between 5 degrees latitude and 30 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. This broader range encompasses several regions where favorable conditions exist for hurricane development.

Thus, the false statement about the formation of hurricanes is that they occur strictly within 2 degrees latitude of the equator, as hurricanes can develop in a wider area along the tropical belt.