Chapter 31, Problem 20TE

What is the source of the enormous amount of energy released by a hurricane?

To determine

The source of the enormous amount of energy released by a hurricane.

Answer to Problem 20TE

The enormous source of primary energy of the hurricane is the release of the heat of condensation from water vapor condensing at high altitudes, with solar heating being the initial source for evaporation.

Explanation of Solution

The driving energy from the condensation of water vapors makes the tornadoes to produce strong winds, torrential rain, and high waves. The destructive nature of cyclones varies with the geographical context and is the topic of concern.

The energy removed from the condensation of water depends on the height, storm clouds, and the geographical context that decides the amount of fueling energy from the cyclones.

The primary source of heat generation is referred to as that of solar heating, as the water vapors collected in the storm clouds are due to the Sun’s direct exposure to the surface water and later it condenses to fuel the energy in a tremendous amount that is the source of destruction due to cyclones.

Conclusion:

Therefore, The enormous source of primary energy of the hurricane is the release of the heat of condensation from water vapor condensing at high altitudes, with solar heating being the primary source for evaporation.