Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) routinely invading our shores are of great concern to residents who live in coastal regions. Mathematical models incorporating ocean data along with atmospheric data developed by GSO scientists improve the reliability and accuracy of the hurricane prediction models used by NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and the Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center. These models incorporate upper ocean turbulent mixing processes and other physical interactions, which govern the behavior of the atmosphere.

GSO scientists very quickly researched and described the structures and seismic triggers responsible for the great Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 just after it occurred. Seismicity, or motions of Earth due to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, land or mud slides, and nuclear explosions, is monitored at GSO via a global network of seismometers, and their signals are processed in novel ways to determine the origin and hazard potential of any seismic event.

Hurricanes: Science and Society is an interactive website designed and produced by GSO scientists providing educational resources and information on the science of hurricanes, hurricane observing, modeling, and forecasting, how they impact humans, and how individuals and communities can prepare for and mitigate the impacts of hurricanes. Designed for the public and K-16 educators, every aspect of the site is vetted by experts in the field. Associated webinars hosted by this site reached 16,000 participants.