BACK TO THE 1970's...

It may be 2009, but it feels more like the 1970's. Bell-bottoms are making a comeback, the economy it tight, and gas prices are a constant concern. But there is one trend that is worth repeating- the lack of activity in the tropics.

Every 25 years or so, it seems we alternate between "active" and "inactive" seasons in the tropics. The 1920's were fairly quiet in the Carolinas, but the 1950's were relentless. The 1970's saw very little activity, yet we finished the century with the most costly storm in our state's history (Floyd, 1999). There is no single, definitive reason for this observed trend. Different factors produce different outcomes from year to year.

During Hurricane season 2009, the persistent wind shear present throughout much of the Atlantic and Caribbean really helped to hinder tropical development. Wind shear is defined simply as the difference in wind speed/direction over a short distance. For a tropical system, wind shear can be lethal. Hurricanes require a delicate balance of air and wind flow during the formative stages. Strong wind shear can severely disrupt this flow and effectively choke a tropical storm.

Who knows if next year will be as quiet as 2009? Hopefully, we are gradually working our way toward one of those 25-year "lulls". Maybe the 70's weren't so bad after all...