New Initiative Enhances Hurricane Forecasting Through Ocean Data

Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are launching a significant initiative aimed at improving predictions of hurricanes and other extreme weather events. The program, known as the Study on Air-Sea Coupling with Waves, Turbulence, and Clouds at High Winds (SASCWATCH), is set to commence in coordination with the Office of Naval Research and will span three years. This initiative focuses on deploying a grid of ocean sensors in anticipation of hurricanes to enhance understanding of the complex interactions occurring between the ocean and atmosphere.

The SASCWATCH initiative aims to enhance data collection through a combination of in situ observations, satellite data, and high-resolution modeling. This approach helps address previous gaps in knowledge regarding air-sea interactions, which play a crucial role in determining the timing, location, and intensity of severe weather events. Despite the growing recognition of these interconnected factors, they have often been studied in isolation, creating an incomplete understanding of phenomena like hurricanes.

According to Steven Jayne, a physical oceanographer at WHOI and principal investigator of the SASCWATCH program, “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.” The new program aims to capture these interactions in real time, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how hurricanes develop.

As part of this initiative, Jayne, who also serves as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s Hurricane Hunters, will utilize advanced ocean monitoring tools. His lab employs two types of ocean robots, the Argo floats and the Air-Launched Autonomous Micro Observer (ALAMO). The Argo floats are deployed from ships and gather temperature and salinity data at various depths every ten days. Currently, there are over 4,000 Argo floats operating worldwide, monitoring the upper 2,000 meters of the ocean and transmitting data back to shore to improve hurricane forecasts.

During hurricane season, data transmission from these floats increases in frequency to provide near-real-time information. The ALAMO, a smaller profiling float, can be deployed from aircraft, allowing for rapid response in the field. Jayne emphasizes that these smaller devices are particularly advantageous for studying short-term weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, as they can be deployed quickly and efficiently.

This initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing our understanding of hurricanes and their underlying mechanisms. By integrating innovative technology with rigorous scientific research, the SASCWATCH program aims to enhance the accuracy of hurricane forecasts, ultimately contributing to better preparedness and response strategies.

As the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution continues to lead in marine research and exploration, it remains committed to understanding the ocean’s role in the global environment. Established in 1930, WHOI is recognized for its multidisciplinary approach and advanced capabilities in ocean observation. The institution collaborates on over 800 concurrent projects worldwide, striving to push the boundaries of knowledge that inform public policy and promote a healthier planet. For more information on their initiatives, visit whoi.edu.