Modern Marvels

Season 12, Episode 66

Episode Title: Nature Tech: Hurricanes

Air Date: 2005-12-29

Overview:

They’re nature on a rampage. The size and intensity of hurricanes make them the most feared and destructive of all storms. Explore how hurricanes start, how scientists track them, and how if at all possible they can be stopped. Take a ride on a hurricane “chaser” plane as it flies directly into the eye of hurricane Wilma, collecting important barometric pressure and wind velocity readings. In this hour we’ll also track the historical highlights of hurricanes, and the history and development of such important hurricane research tools as radar and weather satellites. We’ll delve into the construction of buildings that weather hurricanes better than traditional structures and examine how modern skyscrapers are built to stand up to hurricane force winds.