Physics & Astronomy Colloquium

Joint Colloquium with Geology

3:30 PM, Friday, April 28, 2006

Room 155, Chem-Phys Building

Dr. Kerry Emanuel

Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

`` Hurricanes and Climate''

Hurricanes are generally thought of only as destructive storms, but in fact they play a vital role in the earth's climate system. In this talk, I will review what is known about the physics of hurricanes, touching on the factors that control their frequency, intensity, duration, and geographic distribution. Theory and model results for the response of hurricanes to climate change will be described, and I will conclude with a discussion of the effects of changing hurricane activity on the climate itself.

Refreshments will be served in CP 155 at 3:15 PM