As half the world holds its breath for the climax of Hurrican Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico advancing steadily towards New Orleans, I've learned more about weather systems like this in 24 hours than I ever imagined I could. Mostly by checking Steve Gregory's Weather Underground site. To quote the man.
But given the immense size and intensity of this once per century type storm -- there may be 'no stopping' this storm -- since Super Storms, like Katrina, create their very own , self sustaining environment -- and can 'deflect' small outside influences - such light wind shear, or areas of dry air.
Personally, as a scientist who's lab is the world around him -- I would be exhilarated to see the 'pulsation cycle' unfold -- as long as we then get a lot of shear to weaken Katrina and prevent what may be the most catastrophic natural disaster in modern times for the U.S.
This is exactly what we mean by citizen journalism, not some loudmouth blithering about stuff he doesn't understand, but experts in the field who share their knowledge for the public good. A good that right now says, "if you live within cooee of the storm track and haven't left yet, what the hell are you thinking?"
A little zinger for the Peak Oil watchers, about 30% of US oil supplies and a goodly chunk of its refining capacity flow through the piece of coast that is going to get slammed by this beast, so there is no surprise that NYMEX Crude Oil has busted the $70 mark and is hovering around it as I write. (Hover the mouse over the CL square on the right side bar)
And to make it a 3-fer, all the climate change Cassandras have been saying for 20 years that global warming wont give us longer days at the beach and better tans, it will give us longer droughts, worse flooding and much more viloent storms. The only question is when will the Polyannas have enough "information" to change their minds?
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