Articles tagged with Hurricanes
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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.
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.
The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) has been adopted for operational use, predicting extreme weather with substantially improved accuracy. The high-resolution WRF serves both public forecasts and cutting-edge research, leading to better forecasts.
Florida State University geography Professor Mark W. Horner is developing new spatial models for disaster relief using satellite images and GIS to improve the allocation of disaster relief goods. His research aims to reduce errors in assessments and provide more accurate representations of factors such as response and travel time.
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.
University of Utah meteorologist Ed Zipser leads a NASA mission to study African weather disturbances that intensify into hurricanes. The study aims to improve hurricane prediction and understanding of extreme events like category 5 storms.
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.
Researchers found Alpine glaciers lost 35% of surface area between 1850-1970, with potential disappearance by 2100 under 3 degree Celsius warming. Meanwhile, weekly wobble in Earth's rotation pole was observed and predicted using atmospheric models, explaining centimeter-level displacements during the 2005-2006 winter season.
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.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Scott Sheridan at Kent State University found that almost 90% of residents aware of heat warnings took no action to avoid health issues. The study suggests that heat warning systems may need to be revised to better target vulnerable populations.
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.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution used an underwater digital microscope to find massive colonies of Trichodesmium, a photosynthetic organism that plays a significant role in the ocean's nitrogen cycle. The discovery could alter our understanding of the global nitrogen cycle and its impact on ocean productivity.
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.
The American Geophysical Union convened an interdisciplinary conference to discuss the science behind hurricane protection and rebuilding on the US Gulf Coast. Key findings include the need for improved seasonal forecasts, better wind data, and enhanced shoreline topography to simulate storm surge and flooding probabilities.
Scientists have discovered a link between bacterial growth fueled by algae and the death of corals. The study shows that bacteria suffocate corals by cutting off oxygen supply, leading to a positive feedback loop that accelerates reef decline. Human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change exacerbate this process.
Researchers mapped subsidence in New Orleans using satellite radar imagery, revealing areas where land is sinking at alarming rates. The study highlights the need for revised reconstruction plans and more durable levees to address the growing threat of flooding.
Researchers are developing a new field in disaster mental health training to address the emotional needs of victims, first responders, and others affected by disasters. With funding from the DOH Grant, they have already trained 168 community-based mental health professionals and plan to expand their reach.
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.
A 700-page report suggests key mechanisms for levee failures in the US, built upon data and field investigations supported by National Science Foundation grants. The Berkeley-led team's findings aim to improve emergency planning and response strategies for natural disasters.
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 computer simulations to recreate Tropical Storm Gert's conditions, improving model accuracy and understanding of hurricane formation. The study revealed the importance of topography in Mexico's role in helping storms form.
Researchers combined NASA's QuikSCAT satellite data with aircraft sensor data from tropical storms, improving the accuracy of hurricane forecasts. The new generation WRF computer model was able to reproduce the structure of rainfalls that caused flooding during landfall, providing valuable insights into tropical cyclones.
The article discusses how Hurricane Katrina's aftermath revealed poor planning and decision-making by public officials. It recommends changes to the national emergency management system to improve disaster response and recovery. The lessons from Katrina can only be learned by shedding light on current policy and practices.
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.
A new study by Georgia Tech researchers confirms the link between rising sea surface temperatures and increasing hurricane strength. Sea surface temperatures are found to be the dominant influence on global and North Atlantic hurricanes, with no significant trend in wind shear or other factors over the past 35 years.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Los Alamos National Laboratory found that large fluid vortices raid their smaller neighbors in an energy grab, sustaining a steady-state inverse energy cascade. This phenomenon forms a food-chain of vortices, with larger ones preying on smaller ones.
US chemical companies experienced a modest increase in sales and earnings in Q4 2005, driven primarily by the impact of hurricanes on plant closures and transportation. Sales rose 7.5% to $38.1 billion, while earnings increased 0.9% to $2.31 billion.
The study highlights the co-dependence of mortality risk and poverty, with lower-income countries suffering greater losses due to inadequate infrastructure and emergency response systems. The Earth Institute at Columbia University is a leading academic center for integrated study of the Earth's environment and society.
The Times-Picayune won a special award for its consistently excellent coverage of scientific research on the vulnerability of New Orleans to hurricanes and other environmental impacts. Michelle Nijhuis, writing for High Country News, won the Walter Sullivan Award for her three-part series on global warming in the West.
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 demographic analysis reveals significant disparities between damaged areas and undamaged zones, with black and poor residents facing greater odds of harm. The findings have implications for the future of the Gulf region, particularly in New Orleans.
A study found that hazard mitigation grants can save up to $14 billion over 10 years by reducing property damage and loss of life. The grants also help reduce tax revenue losses due to economic disruption caused by natural hazards.
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.
A Senate committee hearing explored the cause of levee failures in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The investigation found that a soft, spongy layer of swamp peat underneath some levee sections may have contributed to breaches, and further analysis is needed to determine its extent.
Researchers use microfossils to analyze coastal sediment cores, revealing evidence of less frequent major storms in recent centuries. However, results may be affected by other environmental factors, such as rising sea levels.
Displaced people face increased risk of infectious diseases due to poor sanitation and limited access to medical services. Improving public health systems through mass vaccinations is key to preventing disease outbreaks.
The ICSU Scoping Group on Human-Induced Environmental Hazards aims to provide a strong scientific basis for reducing risks and consequences of natural hazards. Recent disasters show a dramatic increase in natural disasters, causing significant economic loss and human displacement.
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.
A study by Louisiana State University researchers has found that Katrina floodwaters were not as toxic as previously thought, but still contained high levels of certain metals and bacteria. The findings suggest that while the floodwaters posed some risks to human health, they were not the chemical catastrophe initially predicted.
A team of experts is investigating the damage caused by wind-driven waves and overtopping, as well as emergency patch effectiveness and decision-making processes behind levee configurations. The study aims to improve levee design to withstand potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
The UCSD-led team has built a Geographic Information System (GIS) to assess toxic hazards from Katrina. The system will enable secure data sharing and collaborative analysis among experts nationwide.
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.
A study found that hurricanes have become more intense and frequent worldwide, especially in the North Atlantic, with Category 4 and 5 storms increasing by 56% since 1975-89. Sea surface temperatures have risen across the globe, contributing to the observed changes.
A study by Georgia Tech researchers found the number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes worldwide has nearly doubled over 35 years, despite a decrease in total hurricanes. Global sea surface temperatures have increased, driving this shift.
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 American Physiological Society is offering $2,000 Katrina grants to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows affected by the hurricane. Over 40 universities are providing assistance with laboratory space, research assistance, fellowships, housing, meals, and stipends.