Author Question: Hurricane paths (tracks) A) are highly smooth and stable. B) are easily predictable. C) always ... (Read 38 times)

Ebrown · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

Hurricane paths (tracks)

A) are highly smooth and stable.
B) are easily predictable.
C) always move to the northwest.
D) can be highly erratic.

Question 2

Explain why hurricanes weaken before they reach the coast of California.

What will be an ideal response?

Natalie4ever · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Although hurricanes and tropical storms can move into the northeastern United States, along the West Coast they do not migrate nearly as far north without weakening to tropical depressions. The reason for this is the difference in water temperatures along the two coasts. The Pacific Coast is dominated by upwelling and the cold California current, while the warm Gulf Stream flowing along the East Coast provides a greater supply of latent heat. Sometimes, storms off the coast of Mexico move to the northeast across Baja, California, and into southern California. These storms lose their supply of latent heat and lose their intensity as they move inland, but they can still bring heavy rains and flooding.