How to halt a hurricane
Monday, October 22, 2007 by PPV
Scientists have unveiled plans in controlling one of the forces of nature - the hurricane.
The first approach from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which has only been tested only using a computer simulation, is to "paint" the tops of hurricanes black by scattering carbon particles – either soot or black particles from the manufacture of tyres – from aircraft flying above the storms. The particles would absorb heat from the sun, leading to changes in the airflows within the storm. Satellites could also heat the cloud tops by beaming microwaves from space.
The second approach simulated by scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is by sowing clouds with microscopic dust to cool the hurricane's base, also weakening it. The dust would attract water but would form droplets too small to fall as rain. Instead, they would rise and evaporate, cooling hot air at the hurricane base.
Two teams, one goal. I just hope it doesn't have any side effects.
The first approach from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which has only been tested only using a computer simulation, is to "paint" the tops of hurricanes black by scattering carbon particles – either soot or black particles from the manufacture of tyres – from aircraft flying above the storms. The particles would absorb heat from the sun, leading to changes in the airflows within the storm. Satellites could also heat the cloud tops by beaming microwaves from space.
The second approach simulated by scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is by sowing clouds with microscopic dust to cool the hurricane's base, also weakening it. The dust would attract water but would form droplets too small to fall as rain. Instead, they would rise and evaporate, cooling hot air at the hurricane base.
Two teams, one goal. I just hope it doesn't have any side effects.
