Florida Tech associate professor Dr. Jean-Paul Pinelli has received a $300,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop a wireless sensor network monitoring wind impacts on structures. The three-year research project will provide full-scale data on wind-induced structural stress during hurricanes.
New research suggests that human-caused increases in greenhouse gases are directly linked to warming of tropical Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which contributes to hurricane intensity. The study used computer models to analyze SST changes in smaller hurricane formation regions.
A new study finds that human-caused increases in greenhouse gas concentrations are primarily responsible for rising ocean temperatures in key hurricane breeding grounds of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The research used 22 different computer models to show a strong link between warming sea surface temperatures and human activities.
A comprehensive mental health study of Hurricane Katrina survivors found that serious mental illness doubled in the months after the hurricane, yet thoughts of suicide did not increase. The study revealed post-traumatic growth, with most respondents experiencing a deeper sense of meaning and greater inner strength.
Researchers launch large balloons with instrument packages over Africa and the Atlantic to gather data on hurricane conditions. The data will help predict which systems develop into hurricanes, providing critical insights for improving weather forecasting.
Climate scientists analyzed data to determine that global warming is increasing Atlantic hurricane intensity. Additionally, the water cycle is changing, with seasonal trends shifting into spring. The study also found a connection between atmospheric tides and weather in the tropics influencing the equatorial ionosphere.
Katrina's rapid development was aided by favorable atmospheric conditions and warm ocean temperatures. Satellite data from NASA instruments provided crucial information on the storm's cloud motion, rainfall intensity, and wind speeds.
A comprehensive survey of Katrina survivors found that most experienced significant financial, income, and housing losses, as well as physical and psychological adversity. However, the vast majority reported developing a deeper sense of meaning or purpose in life after the hurricane.
A new survey found that Hurricane Katrina survivors in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi experienced a doubling of serious mental illness compared to an earlier survey. Despite this increase, the rate of suicidal thoughts was surprisingly low, likely due to positive cognitions about future recovery efforts.
A new study establishes a direct connection between global warming and hurricane intensity, predicting increased damage from Atlantic hurricanes. The research uses statistical analysis to link average air temperatures during hurricane season to sea surface temperatures, vital for nourishing hurricane winds.
Hurricane Katrina and Rita caused significant flooding, wind damage, and loss of wetlands in the Gulf Coast region. Experts discuss ways to mitigate future hurricane damage through ecological knowledge and restoration plans.
Scientists believe that high runoff from hurricanes in 2004 contributed to the development of extensive and long-lasting red tides off west-central Florida. Groundwater discharge is thought to provide the necessary nutrients for these blooms, explaining their persistence and frequent occurrence in the region.
Scientists study how African winds, dust conditions influence hurricane birth; use satellite data, weather stations, aircraft to improve hurricane forecasting. Researchers seek answers on hurricane development, air currents, Saharan Air Layer's effect on clouds.
A survey of high-risk hurricane areas found that one-third of residents are unlikely to evacuate due to concerns about home safety and security. People with children under 18 are more likely to leave their homes, while those with chronic illnesses or disabilities may face evacuation challenges.
Florida State University will use a $6.2 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to build a more accurate hurricane prediction model. The new model, developed using FSU's supercomputer, aims to improve long-range hurricane forecasts and estimate the number of tropical storms in a season.
Springer presents a $1.04 million donation of more than 10,000 eBooks to seven New Orleans-area universities, enhancing their library resources and supporting research activities affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Scientists detected powerful lightning activity in Hurricane Emily's eye-wall and surrounding storms, with electric fields exceeding 8 kilovolts per meter. This finding has generated interest in understanding the link between lightning and hurricane development, intensification, and behavior.
NCAR scientists conclude that global warming surpassed natural cycles in fueling the 2005 hurricane season. The study found that ocean temperatures, particularly in the tropical North Atlantic, were record-high and attributed to global warming, accounting for 0.8 degrees F of the rise.
Researchers find that tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature is driving increase in hurricane numbers, with human-caused cooling from pollutants tempering the effect. The study suggests global warming as a primary cause of increased hurricane activity.
By analyzing cloud height and rainfall patterns, NASA scientists can estimate whether a hurricane's surface winds will strengthen or weaken. Rainfall from clouds extending up to 9 miles high indicates stronger winds.
Researchers found that only half of the increase in strong hurricanes over the past 25 years can be attributed to rising water temperatures, suggesting other factors are at play. A temperature threshold must be crossed before a weak tropical cyclone can become a monster hurricane.
Researchers found that exposure to hurricane-related stressful events can lead to long-term mental health problems, particularly for those with prior stressful experiences or pre-existing symptoms. The study suggests that assessment of prior experiences and psychological well-being is crucial for identifying disaster victims at risk.
According to NASA, La Niña will have no effect on the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season due to rising sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. The current La Niña event is fading, with sea surface temperatures returning to near-average levels in the eastern Pacific.
Researchers used a large centrifuge to mimic the effects of Hurricane Katrina on levees, finding that earth sliding along a weak clay layer helped bring down the 17th Street structure. The study is part of a nationwide 'co-laboratory' of earthquake engineering facilities and aims to help prepare for future national disasters.
Research on hurricane Katrina victims reveals a correlation between self-reported pain, stress, and fear. The study also found that patients demonstrated resilience in coping with chronic pain after the disaster, focusing on survival rather than pain.
The U.S. Geological Survey's Coastal and Marine Geology Program investigates the extent and causes of coastal impacts of hurricanes and extreme storms on U.S. coasts. NASA technology provides rapid assessment of coastal conditions, supporting USGS research programs and emergency response agencies.
Researchers analyzed data from multiple satellites, including NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites, to understand the rapid weakening of Hurricane Lili in 2002. The study found that dry air moving into the storm's low levels created an 'open eyewall' that led to a significant decrease in strength.
Researchers used NASA's TRMM satellite data to analyze temperature changes inside hurricanes, providing clues about storm transformations. The study sheds light on the stages of extra-tropical storms and helps forecasters better understand hurricane development.
A new initiative aims to track the experiences of Hurricane Katrina survivors, gathering data on their recovery process, mental health, and access to healthcare. Quarterly reports will be posted online to inform policy decisions.
Researchers studied hurricane-force wind estimation using synthetic aperture radar and found a newly-developed model outperforms previous methods. Additionally, weakened thermohaline circulation led to increased snow cover over Europe due to reduced atmospheric circulation and changed climate influences. The Arctic Ocean's change also ...
Hurricane Isabel caused widespread devastation to the Chesapeake Bay in 2003, with storm surges and floodwaters destroying homes and infrastructure. However, the event also had a positive impact on the Bay's ecosystem, with increased recruitment of juvenile Atlantic croaker.
The new NASA animation shows the tracks of all 21 named storms, including Arlene and Wilma. The video is available for download in various formats, including MPEG-1 and JPEG.
The study revealed significant changes to the island, including beach erosion and overwash deposition. The data will be used to develop computer models predicting coastal impacts from severe storms.
Researchers dropped instruments called dropsondes into the hurricane to measure temperature, pressure, winds, and more. The study reconstructed the structure of the eye in three dimensions from high altitude to great detail.
Researchers from NSF deployed instruments to measure water temperature and currents in the Gulf of Mexico. The results suggest that deep, warm eddies in the Loop Current play a crucial role in intensifying hurricanes. This study provides new insights into hurricane intensity changes during landfall.
The Galveston 1900 Hurricane is a devastating event studied in a chapter by Robert Simpson, a renowned expert on severe weather. The hurricane led to the development of the Saffir-Simpson scale for classifying potential damage from hurricanes.
A new weather model, ARW, uses high-resolution data to predict hurricane intensity and location of fine-scale rain bands. This enables better warning systems for floods, power outages, and road blockage.
The survey found that 52% of Katrina evacuees had no health insurance coverage at the time of the hurricane. Many reported experiencing health problems or injuries as a result of the storm and were struggling to access necessary care, with 39% reporting they didn't receive help from any government agency or voluntary group.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Tropical Cyclones group is using its specialized tools to help forecasters track Hurricane Ophelia. The tools provide critical information on the storm's trajectory and intensity, enabling more accurate forecasts and helping to save lives.
The NIEHS Hurricane Katrina Information Website offers a wealth of information on environmental pollutants and their potential impact on human health. The website draws from various sources, including research programs and Superfund Basic Research Program data.
According to Irvine, no animals had to be euthanized due to lack of space after Hurricane Charley. She studied how human attitudes and myths influence emergency workers' approach to free-roaming animals during disasters.
During NRL's Slope to Shelf Energetics and Exchange Dynamics field experiment, six current profiler moorings deployed on the continental shelf directly measured large waves up to 27.7 meters high during Hurricane Ivan. The measurements provide valuable data for assessing potential impacts of energetic storm waves on offshore structures.
Scientists at NASA have developed a way to process radar data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, providing 3D snapshots of hurricanes. This allows forecasters to access information on heavy rainfall rates and cloud heights within three hours, helping them make more accurate forecasts.
Climate expert Kevin Trenberth warns that hurricanes will intensify due to global warming, fueled by rising ocean temperatures and increased atmospheric water vapor. This may lead to heavier rains and an increased risk of flooding at landfall, particularly in the US coastline.
Researchers found that ozone levels are closely related to the formation, intensification and movement of hurricanes. The study's findings can help improve predicted tracks and lead to better tracking of storms. Ozone data can provide a clearer view of a hurricane's eye, aiding in storm position pinpointing.
Researchers found a strong relationship between ozone levels and hurricane behavior, enabling better tracking and forecasting. Ozone data helps pinpoint the storm's eye, leading to more accurate predictions of hurricane movement.
Researchers have developed a new model that accurately forecasts US hurricane activity, enabling skilful seasonal predictions to benefit individuals and decision-makers. The model uses height-averaged winds as a predictor, exhibiting significant linkages to US landfalling hurricanes.
Researchers improved hurricane prediction using high-resolution general circulation models, predicting the course of four storms with increased accuracy. A new study found that solar emissions likely control Jupiter's X-ray emissions, providing a potential proxy for monitoring flares invisible to space weather satellites.
A new study refines hurricane intensity prediction models by incorporating the impact of large eddies on wind speed and air humidity. The research suggests that large eddies contribute significantly to energy, heat, and moisture transfer between the ocean and atmosphere.
The CBLAST-Hurricane project is using new ocean probes to collect data on water conditions before, during, and after hurricanes. This information helps scientists develop better models to predict a hurricane's development, which can inform the size of storm surges that pose a threat to ships in port.
The study combined three computer models to investigate the effect of surface waves and wind on hurricane dynamics. The team found a new characterization of the effect of surface waves on air-sea momentum under hurricane wind forcing, which is necessary for accurate predictions of track and intensity.
Researchers analyzed 324 combinations of public and private wind speed and damage models, finding vastly different results due to varying inputs. Creating a centralized database of wind speeds and requiring insurance companies to divulge more information about damage claims could help improve the accuracy of these models.
The USGS and NASA have surveyed the islands, providing detailed elevation maps of the 'first line of defense,' which is less than half the average east coast elevation. The maps show that up to 70% of the first line of defense would be inundated by storm surge associated with Categories 1-5 hurricanes.
Researchers develop a new Coupled Wave-Wind model to estimate hurricane speed and intensity, incorporating surface breaking waves. The improved model aims to enhance forecast skills and mitigate natural hazards caused by hurricanes.
Hurricanes stimulate phytoplankton growth, leading to increased chlorophyll levels and carbon dioxide absorption. Bigger storms cause larger blooms, affecting the upper ocean's ecology and potentially influencing climate change.
A team of scientists found that the estuaries were resilient and recovered quickly from the storms, with most shellfish and finfish populations returning to normal. However, blue crabs took longer to recover due to overfishing and floodwaters disrupting their migration patterns.
A new UNC study found that child abuse brain injuries were five times more common in the hardest-hit counties after Hurricane Floyd, while non-abuse injuries increased by over 10 times. The research suggests that families affected by the disaster experienced heightened stress, poverty, and depression.
The USWRP's improvements to the global computer forecast model developed at NOAA's Environmental Modeling Center have led to a significant boost in hurricane track forecast accuracy. Since 2000, NHC forecasts have benefited from these advancements, predicting Atlantic tropical cyclones' tracks about 35% more accurately than prior to 2000.
The CBLAST project aims to provide more accurate predictions of hurricane intensity, landfall, and storm surge using new data-collection instruments and computer models. This research will help save lives and reduce economic losses for citizens and the Navy.
Clemson researchers are using innovative 'wind towers' to gather high-resolution wind speed data near the ground, crucial for developing hurricane-resistant homes. The device's output will be used to refine building codes and potentially reduce construction costs.