NASA | Hurricane Scientist talks GRIP, Hurricane Earl

Dr. Jeff Halverson discusses NASA's GRIP mission, which aims to study hurricane genesis and rapid intensification using advanced aircraft like the Global Hawk drone. The mission contrasts with NOAA's Hurricane Hunters by focusing on high-altitude data collection. NASA's use of satellites and supercomputers enhances understanding of hurricanes, offering new insights into storm dynamics. The GRIP mission represents a significant advancement in hurricane research, with plans to regularly deploy drones for data collection.

What is the primary objective of NASA's GRIP mission?

• To develop new aircraft technology

• To monitor global warming

• To explore the surface of Mars

• To study the birth and rapid intensification of hurricanes

How does the Global Hawk differ from traditional hurricane research aircraft?

• It is used only for oceanic research

• It requires more fuel

• It is unmanned and can stay over a storm longer

• It flies at lower altitudes

What is a key advantage of using drones like the Global Hawk in hurricane research?

• They are cheaper to operate

• They provide real-time data to the public

• They can stay over a storm for extended periods

• They can fly into the eye of the storm

What role do satellites play in the GRIP mission?

• They provide data on the ocean's surface temperature

• They predict the path of hurricanes

• They are used to communicate with the Global Hawk

• They replace the need for aircraft

Why are upper-level winds important in hurricane formation?

• They cool down the ocean surface

• They increase the speed of hurricanes

• They can disrupt the vertical structure of a storm

• They have no significant impact

What is the future plan for the GRIP mission?

• To discontinue the use of drones

• To conduct regular summer flights with drones

• To focus solely on satellite data

• To collaborate with international space agencies

What makes the GRIP mission unique according to Dr. Halverson?

• Its use of unpiloted vehicles for hurricane study

• Its collaboration with NOAA

• Its focus on tornadoes

• Its use of piloted aircraft