New lab can create hurricane conditions on demand

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 long and 6.5 feet 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.