"Superstorm" Sandy is an example of a(n):

Superstorm Sandy is classified as a hurricane, which is why the correct answer is B. Hurricanes are powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters and are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and the potential for storm surges. Sandy originated as a tropical storm and quickly intensified into a hurricane as it moved through the Caribbean and along the East Coast of the United States in late October 2012.

Although Sandy caused significant flooding in many areas, including parts of New York and New Jersey, its designation as a hurricane is based on its wind speeds and the characteristics typical of such storms. The storm was notable not just for its strength as a hurricane but also for its size and the massive impacts it had across a broad area.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes, on the other hand, are distinct phenomena with different causes and characteristics. Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms to the ground, floods can occur as a result of various weather events including heavy rains or hurricanes, and earthquakes result from tectonic shifts in the Earth's crust. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why "Superstorm" Sandy is categorized specifically as a hurricane.