Building a Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Ocean

NASA researchers use computer models to study hurricanes, focusing on three ocean patterns: El Niño Southern Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Atlantic Meridional Mode. These factors influence hurricane formation by affecting sea surface temperatures, pressure, and wind speed. El Niño and La Niña impact Pacific temperatures, altering Atlantic wind conditions. The North Atlantic Oscillation involves pressure differences that affect hurricane likelihood. The Atlantic Meridional Mode describes temperature variations north of the equator. Case studies from 2005 and 2013 illustrate these patterns' effects on hurricane seasons.

What are the primary tools used by NASA researchers to study hurricanes?

• Drones

• Weather balloons

• Computer models

• Satellites

How does the El Niño phase of the Southern Oscillation affect hurricane formation?

• It has no effect on hurricane formation.

• It decreases hurricane formation by shearing hurricane tops.

• It increases hurricane formation by warming Atlantic waters.

• It increases hurricane formation by cooling Pacific waters.

What happens when the North Atlantic Oscillation is in a negative phase?

• Hurricanes are less likely to form.

• Hurricanes form only in the Pacific.

• Hurricanes are more likely to form.

• There is no change in hurricane formation.

Which ocean pattern was the strongest influencer in the 2005 hurricane season?

• North Atlantic Oscillation

• El Niño Southern Oscillation

• Atlantic meridional mode

• Pacific Decadal Oscillation

In 2013, what change in the North Atlantic Oscillation affected hurricane formation?

• It switched to a La Niña phase, increasing hurricane formation.

• It became strongly negative, increasing hurricane formation.

• It became strongly positive, limiting hurricane formation.

• It remained neutral, having no effect.