How deep under the ocean's surface can a hurricane or tropical storm's swells/swirls be felt? Is there a rating system or formula? Please only provide true, scientifically based answers.
2006-09-14 18:37:59 · 5 answers · asked by Future Stenter 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
I understand that it is related to the size of the wave, but what approximately is that relationship?
2006-09-14 20:44:13 · update #1
It depends on where you're at under the tropical cyclone. If you're under the right forward quadrant (when looking downward from above, relative to the track of the storm), you'll see initial perturbations from the storm down to about 100-150m, depending on the intensity of the storm.
Near the eye and on the left side, the perturbations don't go down as far.
Also note that after the storm has passed, there are wave-like perturbations that continue onward for many days that could be detected deeper than 150m (see powerpoint link below).
As for a rating system/formula, I don't know.
2006-09-15 05:32:48 · answer #1 · answered by tbom_01 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, Hurricane’s displace a lot of water, so I'd imagine it has significant impact. Of course coastal areas is a whole different story. Are you asking like if a hurricane passes over the mid Atlantic (ie you don’t want the 'noise' of ridges of rock that might deflect energy) There should be a change in pressure and water displacement. This is atmospheric physics. Less than the air that’s for sure. And its mainly surface disturbance otherwise storm surges would be like tsunamis. Water is denser so it should be much less than the air. I think you’d better ask again, under physics, with a ‘deep water’ rider, because shallow areas of water and coastlines are going to be all over you answers.
2006-09-15 01:52:16 · answer #2 · answered by kazak 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The downward disturbance would be relative to the size of the waves created by the hurricane and the depth of the ocean.
2006-09-15 02:46:37 · answer #3 · answered by uselessadvice 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I used to know a guy who was an engineer on a nuclear submarine. I asked him that same question and, according to him, 10 to 20 feet below the trough (or bottom) of the waves it's totally calm.
That's not scientific, but I figured if anyone would know, it would have been him.
Doug
2006-09-15 01:47:53 · answer #4 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the size and strength of the hurricane coupled with the density of ocean water in which you are submersed...tom science
2006-09-15 10:27:58 · answer #5 · answered by tom science 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋