Which data source is used for hurricane predictions in the material?

Which data source is used for hurricane predictions in the material?

• A. Ground observations
• B. Satellites
• C. Ocean buoys
• D. Seismographs

Answer: (B)

Hurricanes are tracked and forecasted using data that covers vast ocean regions where these storms form, and satellites provide that essential, continuous view. They deliver real-time information on the storm’s location, movement, and structure by monitoring cloud patterns and eye features from space. Infrared imagery helps estimate how strong a storm is by measuring cloud-top temperatures, while other sensors can infer rainfall and wind fields even when the system is under heavy clouds. This broad, global coverage is what makes satellites the most valuable data source for predicting hurricane paths and intensities. Ground observations matter but are sparse over the oceans, so they can’t give the complete picture. Ocean buoys add valuable in-situ measurements but are spread out and limited in coverage. Seismographs detect ground shaking and have no use in weather forecasting.

Hurricanes are tracked and forecasted using data that covers vast ocean regions where these storms form, and satellites provide that essential, continuous view. They deliver real-time information on the storm’s location, movement, and structure by monitoring cloud patterns and eye features from space. Infrared imagery helps estimate how strong a storm is by measuring cloud-top temperatures, while other sensors can infer rainfall and wind fields even when the system is under heavy clouds. This broad, global coverage is what makes satellites the most valuable data source for predicting hurricane paths and intensities.

Ground observations matter but are sparse over the oceans, so they can’t give the complete picture. Ocean buoys add valuable in-situ measurements but are spread out and limited in coverage. Seismographs detect ground shaking and have no use in weather forecasting.