In 1993 the radius of Hurricane Emily was about 350 km. The wind speed near the center ("eye") of the hurricane, whose radius was about 30 km. reached about 200 km/h. As air swirled in from the rim of the hurricane toward the eye, its angular momentum remained roughly constant
(a) Estimate the wind speed at the rim of the hurricane.
(b) Estimate the pressure difference at the earth's surface between the eye and the rim. (Hint: See Table 14.1.). Where is the pressure greater?
(c) If the kinetic energy of the swirling air in the eye could be converted completely to gravitational potential energy, how high would the rim.
(d) In fact, the air in the eye is lifted to heights of several kilometers. How can you reconcile this with your answer to part (c)?