Moisture measurements collected by a NASA Langley Research Center instrument could improve computer-predicted estimates of a hurricane's track by 100 kilometers (62 miles) and intensity by 20-25 percent for three-day forecasts.

Scientists collected moisture measurements from the Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) on a NASA DC-8 as the aircraft flew over, through and around hurricanes during NASA's fourth Convection And Moisture Experiment (CAMEX) in 2001.

A computer model, developed by the Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, generated predictions based on operational satellite observations -- the same imagery we see in television weather forecasts -- both with and without CAMEX-4 LASE data.

The scientists found the predictions that use LASE data provided more accurate forecasts for CAMEX-4 hurricanes Erin, Humberto and Gabrielle. In general LASE data improve the estimates of the hurricanes' tracks by 100 kilometers and intensities by 20-25 percent for three-day forecasts.

"Improving our forecast capability would significantly benefit the financial security and public safety for the coastal regions of the U.S. and, ultimately, over other coastal regions of the world impacted by hurricanes and typhoons," said Edward Browell, the principal investigator for the experiment. Browell and Langley colleagues -- Syed Ismail and Rich Ferrar -- provided data on their study in a paper published recently in Geophysical Research Letters.

Forecast models currently give a coastline region of about 700 kilometers (434 miles) indicating where a hurricane will first approach land and, subsequently, where warnings and evacuation orders will be given to residents.

"A 100-kilometer improvement in our ability to predict where a hurricane will strike land will save an estimated 50 million dollars in preparation and evacuation costs and increase public confidence and response to hurricane forecasts," Ismail said.

Although not tested in real time, scientists also believe that the FSU predictions using LASE data would have been more accurate than other forecasts for the same hurricanes. The difference is due in part to the FSU model including advanced capabilities for simulating processes related to moisture and the transfer of energy or heat in hurricanes. This study confirms the importance of detailed moisture profiles, like those provided by LASE, for hurricane forecasts.

"LASE helps define the energy source for hurricanes by better understanding how much moisture is flowing into them," Browell said.

When water vapor releases heat or energy as it changes phases, it channels energy into the atmosphere. If atmospheric conditions are right, water vapor becomes the main energy source for hurricane development.

By better understanding the energy source of hurricanes, researchers can more accurately predict how hurricanes will develop and intensify and, perhaps most importantly, where they will approach land.

NASA's Earth Science Enterprise, charged with fulfilling NASA's mission to understand and protect our home planet, supported the work of the LASE team in CAMEX-4.

Related Links
Lidar at NASA
CAMEX at NASA
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only