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Researchers propose cloud-brightening to avert strong storms
A composite NOAA image of Hurricane Andrew, in 1992.
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — While hurricanes are often feared as a destructive force of nature, they are also one of nature’s great climate regulators, helping to disperse ocean and atmospheric heat away from the equatorial region.
But some environmental scientists think it might be a good idea to reduce the intensity of hurricanes by seeding clouds to decrease sea surface temperatures when hurricanes form. Theoretically, the scientists claim the technique could reduce hurricane intensity by a category.
The team focused on the relationship between sea surface temperature and the energy associated with the destructive potential of hurricanes. Rather than seeding storm clouds or hurricanes directly, the idea is to target marine stratocumulus clouds, which cover an estimated quarter of the world’s oceans, to prevent hurricanes forming.
“Hurricanes derive their energy from the heat contained in the surface waters of the ocean,” said Dr Alan Gadian from the University of Leeds. “If we are able to increase the amount of sunlight reflected by clouds above the hurricane development region then there will be less energy to feed the hurricanes.” (more…)
Filed under: climate and weather, Environment, tropical storms and hurricanes | Tagged: atmospheric science, cloud brightening, Cloud reflectivity modification, cloud seeding, hurricanes, Sea surface temperature, University of Leeds | 1 Comment »
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