Hurricane Hunters increasingly missing mission requirements in powerful storm systems

Hurricane Hunters increasingly missing mission requirements in powerful storm systems

A recent report produced by the Government Accountability Office highlighted issues such as aging aircraft, staffing shortages, and maintenance delays that have hindered the ability to meet mission requirements. Since 2014, the number of reconnaissance missions flown by both NOAA and the Air Force has surged, particularly during the winter months. Both agencies fly aircraft, known as Hurricane Hunters, into tropical cyclones and atmospheric river events to collect critical meteorological data.

What viruses make up a red tide bloom?

What viruses make up a red tide bloom?

A new study led by researchers at the University of South Florida has identified viruses associated with Karenia brevis, the microscopic algae that is known as red tide. “We know that viruses play an important role in the dynamics of harmful algal blooms, but we haven’t known what viruses might be associated with Karenia brevis blooms," Jean Lim, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at the USF College of Marine Science, said in a statement.