Hurricane prediction and control: impact of large computers

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric science and natural disaster research.

Background:

• This article is part of a series on natural disasters, focusing on hurricanes.
• Previous articles covered advances in earthquake prediction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss hurricanes as destructive atmospheric phenomena.
• To highlight the National Academy of Sciences' recommendation for hurricane modification efforts.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing knowledge on hurricanes.
• Reference to a National Academy of Sciences report.

Main Results:

• Hurricanes are the most destructive atmospheric phenomena.
• A 1970 hurricane caused an estimated 200,000 deaths in Bangladesh.

Conclusions:

• Hurricane modification should be considered a national goal.
• Further understanding of the physical bases of hurricanes is implied.