NASA hurricane study explores Tropical Storm Gabrielle

Aftereffects of Tropical Storm Gabrielle (SeaWiFS, NASA/GSFC, ORBIMAGE) As part of NASA's Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX), researchers have gathered valuable information about the formation, development and winding-down of Gabrielle - a tropical storm that formed in the Gulf of Mexico early in September, spawning tornadoes, knocking down trees and interrupting power to more than 500,000 households. Information gleaned from Gabrielle and other storms is critical to the quest for improved hurricane modeling and prediction. Contact: Steve Roy (256) 544-0034 Photo | Status report News release | Marshall CAMEX facts More Marshall news

About CAMEX-4

The fourth Convection And Moisture EXperiment (CAMEX-4) is a series of field research investigations to study tropical cyclones — commonly called hurricanes. Sponsored by NASA's Earth Science Enterprise, the fourth campaign in the research series was cinducted Aug. 16 through Sept. 24 - traditionally the most active part of the hurricane season.

Based at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla., the mission united researchers from 10 universities, five NASA centers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The gathered storm data will assist the researchers in seeking methods for improved hurricane prediction. More accurate hurricane predictions at landfall hold the key to decreasing the size of necessary coastal evacuations and increasing the hurricane warning time for people in those areas.