Question 50

Hurricanes are typically over 160 kilometers in diameter and can have sustained wind speeds that are over 200 kilometers per hour.

Hurricanes are indeed typically over 160 kilometers, or 100 miles, in diameter, and they can reach sustained wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour.

A) They are typically over 160 kilometers, or 100 miles, in diameter.

This statement is true as hurricanes generally span large areas, with diameters often exceeding 160 kilometers. This characteristic is a fundamental aspect of hurricanes, indicating their massive size and the breadth of their influence.

B) They form over cold water in Earth's polar regions and move slowly.

This statement is incorrect. Hurricanes form over warm tropical waters, not cold water, which is essential for their development. Additionally, hurricanes are known to move at varying speeds, often faster than implied by the term "slowly."

C) They develop quickly and usually last for less than 30 minutes.

This statement is false. While hurricanes can intensify rapidly, they typically last for several days, not just 30 minutes. Their lifecycle includes stages of development, maintenance, and dissipation that span over a significant period.

D) They can have sustained wind speeds that are over 200 kilometers per hour.

This statement is true. Many hurricanes can indeed reach sustained wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, especially in the most intense categories. This characteristic is critical to understanding the destructive potential of hurricanes.

Conclusion

The correct statements regarding hurricanes are that they are typically over 160 kilometers in diameter and can have sustained wind speeds over 200 kilometers per hour. The other options misrepresent the nature of hurricanes, particularly their formation conditions and duration, highlighting the importance of understanding these key characteristics in the study of meteorology.