News releases

May 31, 2007

TO: News directors, editors
FROM: Jen O'Leary, Space Science and Engineering Center, (608) 263-3373, jennifer.oleary@ssec.wisc.edu
RE: TIP/HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS

The 2007 hurricane season officially begins in the Atlantic Basin on Friday, June 1. From the effects of dust from Africa to the impact of climate change on these powerful storms, scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Cooperative Institute of Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) conduct hurricane research that contributes to more accurate analyses of these storms as they approach the coastlines and, consequently, more effective public warnings.

- Chris Velden, (608) 262-9168, chris.velden@ssec.wisc.edu

Under Velden's leadership, the CIMSS tropical cyclones research team develops innovative techniques that use environmental satellites to monitor and study tropical cyclones. Currently, Velden's research focuses on reducing errors in methods to use satellite observations in estimates of hurricane intensity by combining the strengths of many approaches into one prediction tool.

- Jim Kossin, (608) 265-5356, jim.kossin@ssec.wisc.edu

Kossin leads several research projects to increase our understanding of hurricane behavior. As a part of his research, Kossin conducts critical studies on the physics behind changes in a hurricane's intensity. He also investigates relationships between hurricanes and climate change. "This season hurricane activity is expected to be above average due to a number of environmental factors," Kossin says. "But it is still unclear whether the recent period of high activity is related to global warming, or whether we should expect an eventual return to quiescence similar to that of the 1970s and 1980s."

- Amato Evan, (608) 263-3951, amato.evan@ssec.wisc.edu

Evan has explored the link between hurricane frequency in the Atlantic and thick clouds of dust from Africa's western coast. Recent research led by Evan indicates that the amount of dust blowing off of Africa correlates with the number of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic. "So far, it looks like this May has been the dustiest since the early '80s," Evan says. "This could indicate that the rest of the summer will see a lot of dust and possibly a weaker hurricane season."

The CIMSS Tropical Cyclones group also maintains a significant Web presence. Imagery, animations, detailed forecast data and post-storm analyses make the group's Web site a popular stop for those seeking information about hurricanes. It can be found at http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/

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