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Earth Sciences

An New Way of Tracking Hurricanes

Some tropical storms rapidly become category five hurricanes. Cutting-edge saildrones are revealing how this happens.

Hurricane Otis hit southern Mexico on October 25, 2023, with 165mph (270km/h) winds, killing at least 27 people and causing widespread damage and power outages in Acapulco. NOAA described Otis as a "life-threatening storm surge" with destructive winds and heavy rainfall, leading to flash flooding and mudslides. Otis intensified by 110mph (177km/h) within 24 hours.

Scientists aim to understand why these storms intensify so quickly. NOAA, partnering with Saildrone, uses seafaring drones to collect oceanic and atmospheric data. Saildrones, which resemble sailboats and range from 23ft (7m) to 65ft (20m), use wind propulsion and solar-powered sensors to measure hurricane paths and intensity changes. They also analyze ocean currents, creating a comprehensive picture of the air and water column.

The mission is not about predicting hurricanes but improving future hurricane modeling by studying their intensification. Hurricanes form over warm waters, where evaporating water creates low pressure, drawing in more air and forming storms. When wind speeds reach 74mph (119km/h), it becomes a hurricane. Kerry Emanuel from MIT notes the importance of understanding heat transfer from the ocean to the atmosphere, a gap the saildrones aim to fill.

Environment

Rare Genetic Mutation in Frogs

Scientists in Western Australia have discovered a blue tree frog, a deviation from the usual green caused by a rare genetic mutation.

The blue magnificent tree frog was found in the Charnley River-Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kimberley region, as per the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).

This marks the first recorded instance of a blue mutation in the magnificent tree frog, according to AWC. “We found it after dark, perched on a bench near our research center,” said AWC field ecologist Jake Barker.

“It was exciting. Magnificent tree frogs are already impressive, but seeing a blue one is a rare opportunity.”

This mutation is extremely rare, noted Jodi Rowley, curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum. “Occasionally, a green frog lacks yellow pigment, resulting in a blue frog,” she said. “I’ve seen thousands of frogs over the years, and only one blue frog before, which wasn’t as striking as this one.”

The magnificent tree frog, or Litoria splendida, is native to northern Kimberley and parts of the Northern Territory. It grows to about 12 centimeters (4.7 inches), making it one of Australia’s largest amphibians.

I think it is hilarious that they found right outside of their research center. They didn’t even have to go out looking for it.

World News

Longest Walking Art Gallery

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has concluded a contest to redesign the lower deck of a well-known city bridge, awarding first prize to a Dutch firm that plans to turn it into an art gallery and cultural space.

Arch Mist submitted the winning proposal to remodel the Jamsu pedestrian bridge over the Han River. Their design features fuchsia metal ribbons winding between the bridge's piles.

The design includes multiple balconies and decks for art displays and cultural events, ensuring pedestrian flow is not impeded.

The bridge is already a notable city landmark, with the upper deck, Banpo Bridge, holding the Guinness World Record as the longest "fountain bridge." It has 38 water pumps, 380 nozzles, and is equipped with speakers, lights, and projectors that create a nighttime spectacle.

Arch Mist’s 8,650m² project will transform the 795-meter-long Jamsu Bridge into the longest art gallery, benefiting from the shade and rain cover of the Banpo Bridge above.

“We have invested significant effort into this project from the start of the competition, and we are committed to completing it to create a 'bridge of culture' for citizens to enjoy,” said Chang-Soo Lim, Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Space Planning Officer. “It will also be the first pedestrian bridge and waterfront cultural space over the Han River.”

Built in 1979, the Jamsu Bridge occasionally floods but has hosted events like food trucks and shows, weather permitting. It was later arched in the middle to allow boat traffic to pass underneath. Combined with the fountain and light show, it promises to be a focal point in the city of 10 million people.

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Mind Stretchers

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Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
What is everyone's favorite tree?

• A poplar tree! (popular)

Eugene Hostetler got the correct answer first!

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