Question

which statement best explains why hurricanes do not form near the equator?
temperatures at the surface of the ocean are too low near the equator.
winds in the upper troposphere are too strong near the equator.
there is little water near the equator, and hurricanes need water to form.
there is zero coriolis effect at the equator which prevents the rotation of air.

Explanation:

Hurricanes require rotational motion to form, which is driven by the Coriolis Effect. At the equator, the Coriolis Effect is zero, so air cannot rotate to develop the cyclonic structure of a hurricane. The other options are incorrect: equatorial ocean temperatures are warm (not too low), upper troposphere winds do not prevent formation here, and the equator has abundant ocean water.

Answer:

There is zero Coriolis Effect at the equator which prevents the rotation of air.