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NOVA scienceNOW: Stronger Hurricanes
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Program Overview
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Scientists
examine the relationship between the increase in sea surface temperature and
the increase in the number of strong (category 4 and 5) hurricanes. Because
hurricane cycles can span two to four decades, scientists explain that there is
evidence, but not yet enough data to prove, that global warming causes these
increases.
This NOVA scienceNOW segment:
explains that though the number of hurricanes year to year is relatively
consistent, 2005 was a record-breaking hurricane season in terms of the number
of powerful hurricanes. states that hurricane intensity is influenced by sea surface temperature,
wind currents, and atmospheric moisture levels, and that storms tend to be
stronger when the oceans are warmer. explores whether global warming may be contributing to the intensity of
hurricanes, because the number of powerful hurricanes has doubled in the past
30 years. mentions that global ocean temperatures increased 0.5°C between 1970
and 2005—an enormous change. The speed of this increase suggests that the
warming is due to human actions. reports that multiple pieces of evidence correlate the increase in storm
intensity with the recent increase in sea surface temperature.
Taping Rights: Can be used up to one year after the program is taped off the air.
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