Warm ocean water temperatures play a crucial role in the formation and strengthening of hurricanes. This phenomenon can be explained by several interrelated factors. It is another problem caused by global warming.
Why do warm ocean temperatures strengthen hurricanes?
Hurricanes are fueled by the heat and moisture in the ocean. When the sea surface is warmer, usually above 26.5 degrees Celsius, more water evaporates.
This water vapor is essential for the formation of clouds and thunderstorms. As water vapor rises and condenses in the atmosphere, it releases latent heat, which provides additional energy to the storm system and makes it more intense.
The heat and moisture from the ocean not only fuels the hurricane, but also facilitates a positive feedback loop. As the hurricane strengthens, the strong winds at its core increase evaporation of water from the ocean surface, providing even more energy and moisture. This, in turn, powers the hurricane even further.
High ocean temperatures provide more than just energy to hurricanes
Warmer water temperatures not only influence the energy available to a hurricane, but also its structure. A warmer ocean can contribute to greater symmetry and organization of a hurricane, which means it improves its structure. The direct consequence is that a hurricane becomes more powerful, with stronger winds and a lower central pressure.
This meteorological phenomenon is classified into categories according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which measures the intensity of the hurricane’s sustained winds. This scale has five categories, each of which represents a level of destructive potential.
- 1: Winds of 119-153 km/h. Causes minimal damage.
- 2: Winds of 154-177 km/h. Uproots some trees and causes significant damage to roofs and windows.
- 3: Winds of 178-208 km/h. Devastating damage to residential and commercial structures. Destruction of roads.
- 4: Winds of 209-251 km/h. Catastrophic damage.
- 5: Wind: 252 km/h or more. Climate catastrophe.
In addition to strong winds, hurricanes can cause storm surge, torrential rains, and flooding. Wind intensity, combined with these other factors, determines the severity of a hurricane’s impact on the affected areas.
This classification system is a crucial tool for disaster mitigation and response planning, helping to save lives and reduce economic and material damage.
Climate change is responsible
Global climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise. This warming, as we have already read, is directly associated with the increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes. Scientific studies show that hurricanes are becoming more powerful and moving more slowly. This problem is leading to increased damage from torrential rains and storm surges.
Therefore, with continued global warming, these weather events are likely to become more frequent and powerful, posing greater challenges for preparing for and responding to these natural disasters.
