When a hurricane moves onto land, it rapidly loses its punch; that is, the storm declines in intensity. Which of the factors listed below contribute to this loss of punch?
A) friction
B) lack of warm, moist air
C) heating from below by the land surface
D) both A and B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option A is correct because friction from the land surface slows down the wind speed, making it harder for the hurricane to maintain its strength. Option B is also correct because hurricanes require warm, moist air to fuel their intensity, and when they move over land, they no longer have access to this source of energy. Therefore, both A and B contribute to the hurricane's loss of punch. Option C is incorrect because heating from below by the land surface can actually make a hurricane stronger if the land surface is warm and moist.

When a Hurricane Moves onto Land, It Rapidly Loses Its