Coast Guard Exams
Question 963Navigation General70% to pass

The intensity of a hurricane as it reaches higher latitudes and cooler waters _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is C) decreases. As a hurricane moves poleward into higher latitudes and cooler waters, the intensity of the storm tends to decrease. This is due to the reduced sea surface temperatures and decreased availability of the warm, moist air that fuels the hurricane's energy. The cooler waters and air temperatures cause the storm to gradually lose its strength and organization, leading to a decrease in wind speeds, rainfall, and overall intensity. The other answer choices are incorrect because the intensity of a hurricane does not remain the same (A) or increase (B) as it reaches higher latitudes and cooler waters. The intensity decreases as the storm moves away from its tropical origins.

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