Of the main hazards in a hurricane, which causes the greatest dollar amount of damage? Why?

What will be an ideal response?


ANSWER: Wind damage is often ten times as great as flooding. Wind damage causes penetration of the structure (for example, through windows, doors, and roof), so walls can be blown out and rain can penetrate to cause damage. Wind velocity has a major effect on wave height. Wind can also wreck weak buildings and blow down trees, power lines, and signs. It can fan fires and destroy crops; blow in windows, doors, and walls; and lift the roofs off houses. Wind damage is greatly magnified by flying debris. Significant harm also results from rain entering a wind-damaged structure.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

You might also like to view...

The predominant gas in the atmosphere of Mars is

A. oxygen. B. nitrogen. C. water vapor. D. carbon dioxide. E. methane.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

What specifically connects the continental shelves to the deep-ocean floor?

A) Continental rise B) Continental slope C) Shelf break D) Submarine canyon

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

An animal is rarely exposed to a fluctuation in a single physical or biological factor

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Specific humidity is the mass of water vapor (g) per mass of air (kg)

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences