By JENNIFER KAY
Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) – Researchers at the University of Miami have a new lab where they can whip up hurricane conditions at any time.
The lab at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science features a clear acrylic tank 75 feet (23 meters) long and 6.5 feet (2 meters) high. Inside, 38,000 gallons of seawater can be blown into white-capped waves by a 1,400-horsepower fan that can create conditions as frenzied as a Category 5 hurricane.
Researchers will use the lab to improve real-time tropical storm observations made by satellites, ocean buoys and drones and other sensors launched from “hurricane hunter” aircraft. The lab is known the Surge-Structure-Atmosphere Interaction, or SUSTAIN.
The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1.
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