Would Global Warming Lessen Hurricane Numbers?
Just read a report in National Geographic, that NOAA scientists have done research that indicates the number of hurricanes may actually decrease if the earth’s atmosphere continues to heat up.
It has been understood that the number of hurricanes, during a season, cycle in 10 to 25 year time-spans. They range from very active to less than active periods. These cycles have been based on large shifts in the Atlantic Ocean currents and sea water temperatures. For example the 50s and 60s were very active, while the 70s and 80s were below active. We entered another very active stage in 1995. 
Remember Hurricane Fran in 1996? Fran kicked off the active cycle in North Carolina. We have been told that this active stage could last 20 years or so before a less active period kicks in.
Global warming scientists have thought that increasing the temperature of the atmosphere would lead to more hurricanes, with the thought that increased air temperature would translate to sea water temperature increasing; which is a key ingredient in hurricane formation. However, this new study seems to show that a warmer atmosphere would disrupt the upper level winds by increasing them and this would cause hurricanes to fall apart before they could develop into strong storms.
The data only looks back to 1980, so that isn’t a very long time. When we get into the numbers game I always try to remember: It only takes ONE to destroy lives.
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