Aug 31 2008
Deadly Hurricanes
With the threat of hurricanes Gustav and Fay, there is much anxiety and worry over the destruction that these storms will cause in the upcoming days. Although mandatory evacuations are in place, some people will not be able to afford the trip outside of their hometowns. There is dread that another hurricane Katrina like event will take place.
Hurricanes require three conditions in order for them to form: warm ocean water, evaporation and inward-spiraling winds. Once these conditions have been met, it can result in a Category 5 or 4 storm. However, the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects is expected to receive funding for the 2009 year to continue research on hurricanes. Their plan is to figure out a way to decrease the power of a hurricane. Brainstorming ways in which to pump cold water to the ocean’s surface are underway. If warm water is taken out of the equation, it reduces the risk of a storm to occur or it can reduce the impact of the storm.
While research like this is interesting, it makes you wonder what the consequences will be if we are able to control hurricanes.
