It is likely that we could once again be in for a very active Hurricane season according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A little-known current in the Gulf of Mexico may be preparing to wreak havoc as global warming increases ocean temperatures and the possibility of bigger, badder storms.
The Loop Current is a current of water that flows northward into the Gulf of Mexico, formed when warm water from the Caribbean crosses toward the mouth of the Gulf.
Unlike the rest of the Gulf, where a shallow layer of warmer water sits on top of a colder layer, the water in this current is warm and deep, going down hundreds of feet into the depths of the ocean.
Panovich said that if a storm passes over shallow water, it can use up all the warm water at the surface.
The movement of the current is random and is dictated by a number of factors. The current is higher up into the Gulf this year. It is for this time of year that some meteorologists are concerned. The Current's current position and behavior is similar to what it was in 2005, when seven major hurricanes developed in the Atlantic, and three of them were particularly powerful.
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The 800-pound gorilla in the Gulf is a University of Miami oceanography professor.
Panovich warned against too much panic over the loop current, but said it was part of a bigger picture that could be concerning for hurricanes.
Panovich said that the loop current would probably be 5 or 6 down on the list. Warm water is important for hurricanes, but you still need a storm above it.
The Panovich alarm is caused by the La NiF1;a effect in play this season, which has the potential to create dry, warm conditions in the South, ideal for hurricanes to strengthen. The extra boost for storms that can be created were not present in 2005. Panovich said that the whole situation is worrisome, regardless of the loop current.
It is important for people to remember to take precautions.
Panovich said, "Be prepared, no matter what." It only takes one storm to make a bad season, even if the number of storms increases.
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