Threshold sea surface temperature for hurricanes and tropical thunderstorms is rising
Monday, November 8, 2010 - 09:30
in Earth & Climate
Scientists have long known that atmospheric convection in the form of hurricanes and tropical ocean thunderstorms tends to occur when sea surface temperature rises above a threshold. The critical question is, how do rising ocean temperatures with global warming affect this threshold? If the threshold does not rise, it could mean more frequent hurricanes.