How does a hurricane form?
Although a complete picture is still being researched, insight into this process might be gleaned by watching the above time lapse movie of the formation of Hurricane Irene, a large storm system currently threatening the eastern seaboard of the USA.
Starting as a slight pressure difference visible as nondescript clouds on the lower right, Hurricane Irene is shown growing into large spiraling storm system of low pressure off the coast of South Carolina.
A hurricane is powered by evaporating ocean water, and so typically gains strength over warm water and loses strength over land.
Besides Earth, other planets that have hurricane-like storm systems include Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.
Much remains unknown about hurricanes and cyclones, including the exact path they will take.
Media Credits & Attribution
** Image Credit: ** GOES 13 satellite, NASA, NOAA