Researchers from the University of Delaware in the U.S. are equipping sharks with sensors to collect ocean data used to forecast hurricane intensity. Reuters reported this on August 8.
“We are most interested in the heat content of the upper ocean layer, known as the mixed layer. This part of the water column determines hurricane intensity—the warmer the mixed layer, the stronger the hurricane—because it holds the heat that fuels hurricanes,” said Aaron Carlisle, the study’s lead researcher and a professor at the university’s School of Marine Science and Policy.
Scientists are using sharks as mobile ocean observers. The animals are fitted with CTD sensors that record water temperature, depth, and conductivity. When a shark surfaces, the device transmits the data to satellites.
Species that frequently rise to the surface are selected for the study. These include mako sharks, blue sharks, hammerhead sharks, and juvenile white sharks. Scientists are primarily interested in the temperature of the ocean’s upper mixed layer; the article notes that the heat reserves within it can determine a hurricane’s intensity.
Researchers begin installing the sensors in May, when migratory species approach the coast. To do this, they travel by boat to a distance of 50–65 km from shore. The installation process itself takes less than five minutes. Data collected by the sharks can be used to improve forecasts regarding the strength of hurricanes approaching the U.S. East Coast.
On April 24, Reuters reported that at least 10 people were injured by tornadoes that struck the northern United States. The storms caused serious damage to Vance Air Force Base in the city of Enid. Additionally, a tornado destroyed a home south of Enid, tearing off the roof and causing the walls to collapse.
About the Author
