Hurricane hunters get equipment boost

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The Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer is a state-of-the-art instrument designed to continuously and accurately measure the winds at the ocean's surface directly below the aircraft. As the plane flies through a storm, the SFMR senses microwave radiation naturally emitted from foam created on the sea by winds at the surface. Computers then determine wind speeds based on the levels of microwave radiation detected. The SFMR can also determine rainfall rates within a storm system. This, in addition to wind speeds at flight level, provide structural detail of the storm. (Photo Courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

by Staff Writers
Washington (UPI) Mar 03, 2008
The National Hurricane Center said the U.S. hurricane hunter air fleet is now equipped with a specialized surface wind instrument.

A stepped frequency microwave radiometer attached to the wing of each aircraft detects radiation that is naturally emitted from foam created on the sea by winds at the surface. Computers on board the aircraft then determine surface wind speeds based on the levels of microwave radiation detected. the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday in a release.

"Data from these devices can improve our ability to forecast intensity changes of tropical systems," NOAA administrator Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr. said in a statement.

Previously, air crews extrapolated wind speeds from the aircraft's altitude or from a GPS dropsonde released from the aircraft, the NOAA said.

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SHAKE AND BLOW

Madagascar cyclone killed 29: official

Antananarivo (AFP) Feb 22, 2008
A cyclone which swept across Madagascar this week killed at least 29 people and left nearly 70,000 homeless or otherwise affected, local authorities said Friday.

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