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| Title: |
HURRICANE OPAL INCREASES IN INTENSITY WHILE CROSSING EDDY VORTEX |
| Caption: |
This map, based on satellite measurements of the sea surface elevation, shows the heat potential (in kilojoules per square centimeter) of Gulf of Mexico waters for hurricane intensification in October 1995. Red and orange areas have a very high heat potential. Close to the time these measurements were made, Hurricane Opal passed over the Eddy Vortex and increased in intensity from a weak Category 3 storm to nearly a Category 5 hurricane. The upper 100 m (330 ft.) or more of water in the eddy was over 26°C (80°F), the temperature needed for hurricane growth. (After NOAA/Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory) |
| Keywords: |
atmosphere, hurricanes, oceans, surface currents, Loop Current, Eddy Vortex |
