The Physics of Hurricanes

Synopsis

Hurricanes are among the most destructive recurring natural disasters on earth. Beyond that however, hurricanes are fascinating physical systems. These massive structures form spontaneously under the right conditions through a powerful positive feedback process. Hurricanes convert the temperature gradient between the ocean surface and the upper atmosphere into violent rotational motion, behaving to a very good approximation as ideal Carnot engines. Understanding the physics of hurricanes is important due to their massive destructive potential, especially as global climate change begins to significantly alter the conditions under which they form and evolve. In this talk I will outline a simple physical model for the dynamics of hurricanes, which will be used to explore both their typical properties and theoretical limits. Further, I will discuss the potential impact of global climate change on hurricane behaviour in the near future.