Why do hurricanes slow down when they reach shore?

Question

please answer in a way i will be able to understand

Answer 1

Hurricanes get their energy when they travel over warm water. The process of gaining power changes when the hurricane reaches land. These sites explain it very well. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

A hurricane has a low pressure area (the eye) at it's center. The low pressure area is caused by rising convection currents. Convection is driven by the energy that is released from warm wet air as it enters the low pressure area.
The warm wet air is pulled in of an area of warm ocean.
If the hurricane moves in to an area where there is less warm wet air, there is less energy available and the whole system slows down and eventually breaks up.
Tropical oceans are a good source of warm wet air to keep the whole thing going. Colder oceans and land are not good sources of warm wet air and this is why the hurricanes slow down as they cross land or colder oceans.

Answer 3

Hurricanes are formed by variances in temperature between the sky (cold) and the sea (warm). As the hurricane reaches land the difference between these temperatures reduces and gradually effects the strength and speed.

Answer 4

When the air moves over the water, it moves easily because water is a liquid.

When it moves over land, it's more difficult because land is solid.

Think of it this way, a boat moves easily over water because the water will 'get out of the way' so to speak. The same boat will not move over ground at all, because the ground doesn't move.

Not a great example, I realize, but I think you'll get the idea.

Also, on land, there is stuff in the way, such as buildings, trees, rocks, and so on.

All that stuff (and the solid ground) make it more difficult for the air to move well.

If you ever go out on the water (in a boat) on a windy day, you might notice the wind is stronger out on the water. That's because there's no 'stuff' in the way.

Answer 5

Hurricanes slow down mainly because the shoreline acts as a windbreaker, while the ocean gives little resistance, trees, houses and solid ground hinder the storm's speed.

Answer 6

Hurricanes get energy from being over warm water. When they reach land, they are not longer over warm water. Therefore, they weaken and break apart.

Answer 7

Because there is no warm moisture rising from the sea which fuels a hurricane, and they are going to get a lot stronger as global warming gets worse

Answer 8

I believe it is because terra firma does not inhibit movement as easily as the oceans.

Answer 9

It has to do with temperture and moisture.