Hurricane Lab Breakthrough Miami Scientists Unlock Secrets of Wave Growth in Extreme Winds
In a first-of-its-kind experiment scientists at the University of Miami’s SUSTAIN (SUrge‐Structure Atmosphere INteraction) lab have taken a major leap in understanding how ocean waves form and grow under extreme wind conditions including hurricanes. This pioneering research offers fresh insights into the air-sea interaction process, which is key to improving weather forecasts, hurricane modeling, and coastal resilience planning.
The study, conducted in the university’s high-tech wind-wave tank capable of simulating Category 5 hurricane-force winds, captured a high-resolution profile of air pressure and airflow above moving water. Using a combination of Constant Temperature Anemometry, Particle Image Velocimetry, and Multi-beam Imaging, the team measured more than 1,000 data points per s...