Hurricanes and the Coastal Zone
As predictions of an above normal number of major storms in the Atlantic and Gulf States have become rreality in 2005, understanding how the ocean and atmospheric interact and what role changing climate has on the formation of hurricanes is critical. The 2004 hurricane season resulted in many deaths and tremendous destruction in Florida and other coastal states along the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast but also to many states inland. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists conduct research on a variety of topics related to hurricanes, from ocean circulation patterns and changing climate, the effects of hurricanes on coral reefs and environmental impacts in the coastal zone, to sea level rise, coastal erosion and storm surges. Historical records from hurricanes decades and centuries ago hidden deep below the surface in coastal areas are providing insight into what we might expect in the future. Further information about some of these projects is available from the Institution's Coastal Ocean Institute and Ocean and Climate Change Institute.
Oceans and Human Health
The impact of hurricanes, overflowing septic systems and polluted waters may inpact human health and coastal waters. Beachgoers may also run across gelatinous zooplankton, more commonly called jellyfish, washed ashore or in coastal waters where people swim and boat. Most are harmless but a few sting. WHOI scientists have studied jellyfish both in coastal waters and far offshore in the open ocean for decades and are conducting research on the creatures from the tropics to the poles. They also study right whales, which many vacationers may see on whale watching trips or hear about when marine mammals strand on beaches. For more information about current research projects on oceans and human health visit the Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health (COHH)web iste at (http://www.whoi.edu/science/cohh/whcohh/index.htm).
Managing an Evolving Shoreline after a HurricaneCoastal erosion from hurricanes and other severe storms, sea-level rise and other activities adds to the pressures on the coastal zone and a diminishing shoreline, where property values are often high and solutions require coordinated efforts from local, state and federal officials. In the aftermath of Jurricane Katrina, coastal managers will face difficult decisions about what to rebuild and where given the numebrs of people living in the coastal zone and the realititeis of stor damage. WHOI's Coastal Ocean Institute has a variety of projects underway in the coastal zone to help address some of these issues. WHOI staff are also working with scientists and government officials in the areas devasted by the Indian Ocean tsumani in December 2004. The coastal population of the United States grows by more than 3,500 people a day, and it remains unclear what impact Hurricane Katrina will have on Gulf Coast coastal populations.
RSS