Physical Oceanography Archives - NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory

New study directly quantifies air-sea momentum exchange in hurricane force winds for the first time

AOML Communications — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:22:09 +0000

In recent years, uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) have become vital tools used to collect observations to improve hurricane forecasts. To fully understand how storms intensify, scientists need data at the air-sea interface where energy is transferred from the ocean to tropical cyclones. This data is most effectively collected by USVs because of their unique ability to operate in dangerous environments and extreme conditions. In a new study, scientists are able to directly quantify the air-sea momentum exchange (termed ‘wind stress’) and related frictional drag effect that acts to slow a hurricane’s rotating winds. These direct measurements of this process are the first to be collected over the ocean in hurricane-force winds.

The post New study directly quantifies air-sea momentum exchange in hurricane force winds for the first time appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

How does El Niño Impact Atlantic Hurricane Season

AOML Communications — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:10:17 +0000

NOAA has released their seasonal outlook for the 2026 hurricane season – spanning from June 1st to November 30th – reporting a 55% probability of a below average season. This prediction is primarily driven by several factors including a strong El Niño event expected to emerge in the Pacific basin. This phenomenon will disrupt typical […]

The post How does El Niño Impact Atlantic Hurricane Season appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes

AOML Communications — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:23:20 +0000

There’s a unique interplay between surface winds, the Gulf Stream current, and the continental shelf in the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), that has long been overlooked. Researchers have often speculated that the strength of the Gulf Stream and proximity to the coast impacts primary production and other processes driving essential ecosystems. However, to what degree […]

The post Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape

AOML Communications — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:50:40 +0000

On August 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a major Hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend after meandering through the northwestern Caribbean and intensifying over the warm waters of the Gulf of America. In its aftermath, damage on land was immediately visible, but observations from satellites and ocean-going robots revealed that the ocean was also […]

The post In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

AOML Presents: 12 days of Research

AOML Communications — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:33:50 +0000

As 2025 comes to an end, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is proud to present a recap of some of our research accomplishments, creative tools, and significant impacts. Enjoy our “12 days of research” series where we highlight the vital work AOML is conducting to protect life, property, and our natural resources.

The post AOML Presents: 12 days of Research appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

Inside the Storm: Meet the NOAA team behind hurricane research

AOML Communications — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:55:54 +0000

Hurricanes are among some of the most destructive natural disasters and pose major risks to coastlines. Given warming oceans, increasing storm intensities, and population growth, advancing hurricane research is vital for tracking storms and predicting their strengths and landfalls. A complex team, from program managers to meteorologists, is essential for successfully predicting, observing, and forecasting […]

The post Inside the Storm: Meet the NOAA team behind hurricane research appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

Extending forecasts for extreme events

AOML Communications — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:50:50 +0000

Extreme weather events are difficult to predict, causing loss of life and immense damage. Due to this, NOAA has significant interest in extending the forecast lead times for these events by advancing forecasting capabilities.

The post Extending forecasts for extreme events appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

World first: Mini ocean robot collects data in a Category 5 hurricane

AOML Communications — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:26:48 +0000

NOAA and Oshen robots bring back key wind and pressure data from Hurricane Humberto A small, wind–powered ocean robot became the first uncrewed surface vehicle to capture and transmit data from inside a Category 5 hurricane on Sunday, September 28, as part of research by NOAA, the United Kingdom-based robotics company, Oshen, and the University […]

The post World first: Mini ocean robot collects data in a Category 5 hurricane appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

Scientist at AOML selected as member of NOAA in the Caribbean Executive Team

Chris Malanuk — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:40:58 +0000

Jen McWhorter, Ph.D., a Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Science (CIMAS) Assistant Scientist with AOML’s Ocean Biogeochemistry and Physical Oceanography teams, has been selected to serve a one year term as a member of the NOAA in the Caribbean Executive Team. As a member of the Executive Team, McWhorter will help provide strategic direction […]

The post Scientist at AOML selected as member of NOAA in the Caribbean Executive Team appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

Atlantic Niño/Niña modulates typhoon landfall risk in East and Southeast Asia

AOML Communications — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:11:15 +0000

A new study led by AOML and CIMAS scientists further shows that the impacts of Atlantic Niño/Niña on tropical cyclones are not limited to the Atlantic basin (i.e., hurricanes), but also extend to the western North Pacific basin (i.e., typhoons) through inter-basin teleconnections.

The post Atlantic Niño/Niña modulates typhoon landfall risk in East and Southeast Asia appeared first on NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.