Staff Reports
n Columbus Day, it's essential to consider the challenges that explorers like Christopher Columbus confronted during the Age of Exploration. Columbus and his crew sailed for days with the anticipation of reaching land, only to encounter vast open seas. The psychological stress and diminishing supplies made mutiny a genuine threat.
In today's context, a hurricane season like this year's could have made Columbus' initial voyage even more perilous. There have been six hurricanes and 12 tropical/subtropical storms in the Atlantic so far. Contrary to some media alarmists, data does not support the assertion that hurricanes are becoming more severe or frequent every year.
Happy Columbus Day! #ColumbusDay2023 pic.twitter.com/0Kr7GCV7M5
— Libs Hate Us (@LibsHateUs) October 9, 2023
Historical hurricane tracking, dating back to Columbus' time, offers valuable insights. The term "hurricane" itself originates from the name of a storm god worshipped by the indigenous island inhabitants Columbus encountered. Columbus learned to recognize signs of approaching cyclones after his first encounter with a hurricane in 1494.
The ships used in these expeditions were smaller than one might imagine, with the flagship Santa María having just 70 feet of deck space and a crew of 40. This was a strategic choice to navigate safely through the Caribbean's shallows and island clusters. Facing a hurricane head-on could spell disaster for these vessels.
The meticulous records kept by Columbus and his fellow explorers now serve as invaluable resources for meteorologists studying historical weather patterns. These records enabled sailors to plan their routes and steer clear of hurricane-prone areas during peak seasons. Nevertheless, journalists may sometimes struggle to accurately interpret and report on this historical data, resulting in biased reporting on hurricane trends.
Thanks to technological advancements, we now have satellite technology that enables real-time monitoring of even the weakest storms. This year's above-average Atlantic hurricane season has witnessed numerous storms forming and intensifying over open waters, away from land, making them less visible without satellite assistance.
In the field of meteorology, we owe a debt of gratitude to early explorers like Christopher Columbus. Their diligent record-keeping has greatly enhanced our understanding and prediction of weather patterns. So, on this Columbus Day, let's acknowledge the contributions of these explorers to the advancement of our knowledge of weather.
