What is the relationship between ocean temperature and the moisture available for hurricanes?

• A. They become less moist and storms weaker
• B. Warmer oceans provide more moisture, which increases hurricane power.
• C. Ocean temperature has no effect on moisture
• D. Moisture is independent of ocean temperature

Answer: (B)

Warmer sea surface temperatures raise evaporation and allow the air to hold more water vapor. This extra moisture fuels the storm because when water vapor rises and condenses, it releases latent heat that powers the stronger updrafts and convection inside a hurricane. More moisture means more energy feeding the storm, which can lead to greater intensity and stronger winds and rainfall. If the oceans were cooler, evaporation would be reduced, moisture would be lower, and the hurricane would generally be weaker. Since moisture in the atmosphere is strongly tied to temperature, statements that say temperature has no effect or that moisture is independent don’t fit the physics of how humidity and storm energy work.