coreburn's photostream (CC)

Hurricane season has arrived once again, and while many are keeping a close watch on Bill, a new study shows that the increase in storm activity over the past decade parallels a 1,000 year old trend, and could give scientists clues about the effect of climate change on hurricane frequency.

The fascinating study, published in the journal Nature last week, examined layers of sediment collected around coastal ponds and marshes where where flooding occurs during hurricanes over the years.  They also used a computer model to simulate 1,500 years of Atlantic storms using data collected between 1851 and 2006, factors that are known to influence hurricane activity, such as warmer sea surface temperatures.

This emerging field of “paleotempestology,” or the study of ancient storms, will hopefully help us understand how rising sea temperatures could contribute to more storms.  In addition to providing a warning for the potential devastation that could occur if we don’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the research could help coastal communities better anticipate and prepare for increasingly severe weather patterns.  (As we near the fourth anniversary of Katrina, be sure to check out A.D.: New Olreans After the Deluge)  While there is still much debate over exactly what the study will reveal about the connection linking climate change to stronger hurricanes, paleotempestology will likely be a useful tool in understanding our impact on the climate and give clues to future climate patterns.