Question

question 10
what is the correct order of tropical cyclone development stages (from weakest to strongest)?
a hurricane, tropical storm, tropical depression, tropical disturbance
b tropical storm, tropical depression, hurricane, tropical disturbance
c tropical depression, tropical storm, tropical disturbance, hurricane
d tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane

Explanation:

To determine the correct order of tropical cyclone development stages from weakest to strongest, we recall the standard progression: A tropical disturbance is the initial, weakest stage. It can develop into a tropical depression (with sustained winds <39 mph). Next is a tropical storm (winds 39–73 mph), and finally a hurricane (winds ≥74 mph, the strongest). Checking the options:

• Option A: Incorrect order (starts with hurricane, the strongest).
• Option B: Incorrect order (mixes stages).
• Option C: Incorrect (tropical disturbance is earlier than tropical depression).
• Option D: Matches the progression: tropical disturbance → tropical depression → tropical storm → hurricane.

Answer:

D. Tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane