October 4, 2010 | A team of NCAR researchers recently convened in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to investigate tropical cyclogenesis (how tropical cyclones develop and strengthen), one of the most challenging aspects of atmospheric science. The field project, called PREDICT (PRE-Depression Investigation of Cloud-systems in the Tropics), ran from August 15 to September 30. Scientists used the Gulfstream V to analyze tropical disturbances that showed the potential for developing further. Among the storms they sampled across the Caribbean early in their lifespans were Hurricane Karl and Tropical Storm Matthew. Watch for more in the fall issue of UCAR Magazine.

EOL’s David Allbee and John Cowan preparing for flight.

Laura Tudor (EOL) gets ready to release dropsondes during flight.

Carlos Lopez Carrillo (New Mexico Tech) and Jeff Stith (EOL) inside the Gulfstream V.

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