|
|
NOVA scienceNOW: Stronger Hurricanes
|
|
|
|
Program Overview
|
|
|
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.
|
|
