Quiz 8 Solutions

1.) What is the difference between hurricane strength and intensity?

Strength involves the outer section of the storm. It can be considered an area weighted average wind speed outside of the core. Intensity deals with the core portion of the storm (center out to 100 km).

2.) What is the "job" of the tropics?

The job of the tropics is to export heat towards the poles from the equator.

3.) Hurricane outflow (or exhaust at the top of the storm) is usually what? Cyclonic or anticyclonic.

Hurricane outflow is generally anticyclonic (ie: clockwise).

4.) What is generally considered the most destructive quadrant of a hurricane?

Generally, the right-front quadrant is the most destructive. Explanation: This arises from the movement of the storm and wind direction in the storm move in the same direction and reinforce the local winds. In addition, during landfall, the right-front quadrant is not affected by friction induced by the land.

5.) Define convergence and divergence.

Convergence - winds coming together. Divergence - winds pulling apart.