Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Hodges, Robert Edward
Author's Email Address	reh3682@fsu.edu
URN	etd-07092009-162841
Title	Evidence for a solar influence on U.S.-affecting hurricanes
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Geography, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title James B. Elsner Committee Chair J. Anthony Stallins Committee Member Lisa Jordan Committee Member Thomas H. Jagger Committee Member
Keywords	Bayesian Statistics Hurricanes Sunspots
Date of Defense	2009-07-02
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract This study examines the robustness of the proposed modern solar activity / hurricane frequency relationship in light of recently compiled Atlantic hurricane records made available for the period 1700-1850. Constructing a thermodynamic efficiency for hurricanes utilizing mean monthly sunspot numbers (SSN), a Bayesian model that incorporates HURDAT (1851-2008) and Chenoweth archive (1700-1850) datasets is employed to maximize the information about the sun-hurricane relationship through the centuries. The information contained within the Chenoweth archive adds support to the hypothesis that solar variation influences hurricane activity. Results have impacts for U.S. seasonal hurricane science, as well as life and property for coastal and near-coastal populations.
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