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The Ecological Benefits Of Tropical Cyclones

Infrared image of Fran making landfall in North Carolina. Credit: Wikipedia

A new study shows that when it comes to hurricanes, there may be an upside. 

Storm damage is easy to quantify. What's harder to figure out is the benefit of a hurricane or tropical cyclone. But Duke environmental engineer Ana Barros and her team say they replenish the region's water supply, recharge aquifers and prevent droughts.

Researcher Lauren Lowman says more water means healthier plant growth, which draws out carbon from the atmosphere.

She notes that, “within the hurricane season, the amount of carbon that is uptaken by these Southeastern U.S. forests is more than the amount that is released on an annual basis by vehicles in the entire U.S.”

Lowman says now that we know that tropical storms are important, the next question is will climate change make more or less of them? She says her team will study those potential shifts and how they will impact the environment.

 

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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