New research reveals that hurricanes not only cause visible destruction on land but also have a profound impact on the oceans. The study demonstrates that hurricanes push heat deep into the ocean, storing it for extended periods and affecting regions far from the storm. While it’s known that hurricanes derive their energy from warm sea surface temperatures, this study uncovers that they also enhance the ocean’s ability to absorb and retain heat, leading to far-reaching consequences. Underwater waves generated by hurricanes transport heat four times deeper than mere mixing, allowing it to be transported thousands of miles by deep sea currents. This process can influence climate patterns globally, impacting ecosystems and potentially mitigating climate change. The findings emphasize the interconnectedness of hurricanes, ocean heat, and Earth’s climate.
