What is the primary reason global warming is expected to increase the intensity of hurricanes?

• A. Increasing ocean temperatures
• B. Higher ambient atmospheric pressure
• C. More landmasses acting as barriers
• D. Decreased humidity in the atmosphere

Answer: (A)

Warm ocean surface waters are the fuel hurricanes rely on. When sea temperatures rise, more heat and moisture evaporate into the atmosphere. This extra energy powers stronger convection and increases the amount of latent heat released as moist air rises and condenses, which translates into higher wind speeds and a more intense storm. In short, the primary driver of greater hurricane intensity with global warming is hotter oceans providing more energy and moisture to the system.

The other ideas don’t fit as the main cause. Higher ambient atmospheric pressure doesn’t supply energy to storms and tends to suppress development rather than boost it. Landmasses acting as barriers cut off the ocean heat and ramp up surface friction, which weakens storms rather than intensifies them. Decreased humidity would reduce the available moisture for storms; while humidity patterns are complex, a drier atmosphere would not reliably drive stronger hurricanes.