New Initiative Launches to Enhance Hurricane Prediction Using Ocean Data

Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have launched a new initiative aimed at improving the accuracy of hurricane predictions by utilizing ocean data. The project, titled the Study on Air-Sea Coupling with Waves, Turbulence, and Clouds at High Winds (SASCWATCH), is funded by the Office of Naval Research and will deploy a network of ocean sensors over the next three years to gather critical data ahead of hurricanes.

This initiative represents a significant advancement in understanding the complex interactions between the ocean and atmosphere during extreme weather events. By employing a combination of in situ observations, satellite data, and high-resolution models, researchers aim to bridge the existing gaps in knowledge regarding air-sea interactions. The transfer of momentum, heat, and moisture between these two environments is known to influence the timing, location, and intensity of hurricanes.

Understanding Air-Sea Interactions

Despite the growing awareness that air-sea interactions are interconnected, past studies often examined these elements in isolation. Steven Jayne, a physical oceanographer at WHOI and principal investigator of the SASCWATCH program, highlighted the limitations of this fragmented approach. “This fragmented approach has led to an incomplete picture of how key factors, such as surface waves, ocean currents, and atmospheric turbulence, modulate fluxes under high-wind conditions,” he explained. “With the SASCWATCH program, we will be able to capture the full picture in real time.”

Jayne brings unique experience to this project as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s Hurricane Hunters, where he actively flies through major storms to deploy ocean monitoring tools. His lab utilizes two types of ocean robots, Argo and ALAMO, to collect real-time data on water temperature and salinity.

Innovative Data Collection Methods

The Argo floats, which number over 4,000 globally, are deployed from ships and take measurements of temperature and salinity every ten days. These floats operate in the upper 2,000 meters of the ocean and transmit valuable data back to researchers. During peak hurricane season, the frequency of data transmission increases, allowing for near-real-time updates that enhance hurricane forecasting capabilities.

In contrast, the Air-Launched Autonomous Micro Observer (ALAMO) is a smaller, Argo-style profiling float designed for rapid deployment. These floats can be launched from the back of aircraft, enabling quicker access to regions affected by developing hurricanes. Their compact size makes them ideal for air-based deployment, allowing teams to deploy large numbers of instruments swiftly, rather than relying on slower-moving ships.

The SASCWATCH initiative aims to provide comprehensive insights into the dynamics of storms, ultimately leading to improved prediction models that can save lives and property during hurricane season. By utilizing advanced technology and innovative research methods, WHOI is at the forefront of efforts to enhance our understanding of extreme weather.

Founded in 1930, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a private, non-profit organization located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It focuses on marine research, engineering, and education, striving to understand the ocean and its role in the global environment. WHOI is recognized for its multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge technology, making significant contributions to ocean research and exploration worldwide.

For more information about their research initiatives, visit whoi.edu.