[Note: "Experts" had predicted more hurricanes due to global warming -Mike F.-]
Where are the Atlantic hurricanes? Experts are baffled
Associated Press
© September 6, 2001
Where are the hurricanes?
The 2001 Atlantic hurricane season -- which runs from June through November -- has yet to have a hurricane.
``We're all dressed up and have no place to go,'' said Hugh Willoughby, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's hurricane research division. ``None of the things we looked at before the season told us that it should be this suppressed.''
The last time a hurricane season got this far without a hurricane was 1984, when Diana formed on Sept. 10.
In a typical year, at least two would have developed by now, including one with winds of more than 110 mph.
So what happened?
``We have no idea, and you can quote me on that. At the moment, we have no explanation,'' said Lixion Avila, a top forecaster at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The foremost hurricane forecaster, Colorado State University scientist William Gray, predicted seven hurricanes. NOAA scientists forecast up to eight.
But tropical storms Allison, Barry, Chantal and Dean all failed to reach hurricane strength, or sustained wind of at least 74 mph. Erin had top steady wind of just 45 mph Wednesday, and was faltering.
Still, this is the hurricane season's peak activity period, which runs from late August through early September.
``The experience has been that with a late start, one that comes after Sept. 1, you can still have an average season,'' Willoughby said.
==========================================================
Thursday, 6 September, 2001, 08:34 GMT 09:34 UK
Big freeze for Britain?
Britain could be in for a big freeze, with the climate ending up more like northern Canada, say scientists studying the world's oceans.
They have found evidence that the flow of cold water from the Arctic has decreased by 20% since 1950.
If the trend continues, the supply of warm water to northern Europe will decline, bringing a big chill.
The last time this happened, in the 11th to the 18th Century, northern Europe entered the Little Ice Age.
Such climate variations are thought to be caused by changes to a belt of water that moves heat and cold around the world, the global conveyor belt.
'Key' decade
The new research was presented at the British Association Science Festival in Glasgow.
In a research paper, Sarah Hughes of the FRS Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen, Scotland, said: "It seems that in the past the conveyor belt has stopped and started, sometimes as quickly as within one or two years.
"When it stops, northern Europe is cooled by about 5 C and we get a climate similar to that of northern Canada."
"The next decade will be a key one," she added.
|
