Student Article

Hurricanes are powerful storms that cause a lot of destruction every year. Scientists and engineers are working on creative solutions to stop hurricanes or reduce their impact. Let's explore some of these innovative ideas.

The Salter Sink

One interesting idea is the Salter Sink, developed by Professor Stephen Salter and Bill Gates. The plan involves floating large rings in the ocean that can move warm surface water down and bring cold water up. Since hurricanes need warm water to form, cooling the surface water could prevent hurricanes from developing.

Unmanned Ships

Another proposal involves using unmanned ships to spray tiny droplets of seawater into the atmosphere. This would make the clouds brighter, reflecting more sunlight and cooling the ocean below. Cooler ocean temperatures would make it harder for hurricanes to form.

Wind Farms

Offshore wind farms are another potential solution. These wind farms consist of large wind turbines placed in the ocean to generate electricity. According to Professor Mark Jacobson and his team at Stanford University, wind farms could also help weaken hurricanes. Their computer models showed that wind turbines could reduce the wind speed and storm surge of hurricanes, making them less destructive.

While these ideas are still being tested, they offer promising ways to protect people and property from the devastating effects of hurricanes.

© Bill McGuire / Our Media