Forecasting Hurricane Intensity...A New Tool

A better understanding of hurricane development and intensity has been a primary focus for atmospheric scientists and engineers over the last several years. In Miami, home of the National Hurricane Center, operational facilities at Florida International University and the University of Miami are making 'waves' by means of state-of-the-art simulations both to help engineers build more water and wind resistant structures and weather forecasters understand how hurricane intensity forecasts can be more accurate.

For example, at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, numerical simulations are being developed and analyzed to show that changes in the physical stress at the ocean surface, such as sea spray and foam and their evaporation,  may help explain the rapid intensification of some tropical storms.

In June 2012, ground breaking on a new Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Complex began that promised to give scientists a new tool in simulating hurricanes within a controlled laboratory.

The large aquarium measures about 65 feet in length and 20 feet in width and 6.5 feet in height.

The simulator, called SUSTAIN, or SUrge-STructure-Atmosphere INteraction laboratory is the only facility capable of creating category- 5 level hurricanes in a controlled, seawater laboratory.

Also, Florida International University's Wall of Water (WOW) simulator cranks winds up to 157 miles per hour that helps test hurricane resiliency of varying structures from private homes to light poles. This simulator uses twelve 700-horsepower fans and  has been operational since 2012, in commemoration of the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Andrew that devastated much of south Florida.



http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/seawater/the-science/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140710183612.htm

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-08/creating-150-mph-hurricanes-giant-aquarium-florida

MS