Which of the following best describes the first step in the formation of a hurricane?

A.
Cooler water produces air masses with high pressure, causing fast-moving thunderstorms.
B.
Warm ocean water evaporates and then condenses, forming a low pressure area below.
C.
A high-pressure air mass remains undisturbed over land, resulting in excessive precipitation.
D.
Air masses over the ocean become colder, causing water waves to move faster.

B

Explanation:

Hurricanes are very powerful, circular storms that begin over warm water. These storms have heavy rains, very high winds, and low atmospheric pressures. They are fueled by a strong cycle of warmer, moister air flowing upward from near the ocean's surface and being replaced by cooler, drier air from the surrounding area. This cycle gets faster and stronger as it is fed by the ocean's heat and water evaporating from the ocean's surface.

So, the first step in hurricane formation occurs when warm ocean water evaporates and then condenses, forming a low pressure area below.