Is Twisters Inspired By Real-Life Events? EXPLORED

by

As a dedicated fan of meteorology and weather phenomena, I have been utterly captivated by the recent news of Twisters, the upcoming sequel to the iconic 1996 blockbuster. The idea that scientist Kate Cooper is attempting to remove moisture from tornadoes using absorbent polymer material has my imagination running wild. This concept transforms a natural disaster into a movie monster that we can potentially control and overcome.

In the world of Twisters, a sequel set in 2024, I, as a dedicated follower of meteorology and extreme weather events, find myself captivated by the ambitious goal of Dr. Kate Cooper, brilliantly portrayed by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Her scientific dream is no less than to extract moisture from a tornado – an untamed beast of nature – by hurling absorbent polymer materials into its destructive path. This intriguing concept takes the raw power of a tornado and reimagines it as a movie monster that humans can confront and conquer, adding a thrilling layer to the story.

Twister brought tornado researchers close to these natural disasters, but on this occasion, they faced a different challenge: taking lives instead of just studying them. This concept garners nearly as much scientific investigation as tornadoes themselves. For decades, scientists and the public have pondered various methods to prevent tornadoes. Regrettably, none of these theories have proved effective, let alone undergone rigorous testing. Rather than focusing on a futile attempt to eliminate tornadoes, it would be more advantageous for resources to be directed towards researching and implementing viable solutions for safeguarding lives and property.

Advances in Tornado research and the dream of control

Starting in the 1940s, United States efforts to manipulate the weather intensified, driven by government officials and scientists striving to adjust atmospheric conditions for national benefits. Aims ranged from enhancing flight safety, alleviating droughts, shielding crops, weaponizing meteorological phenomena for military purposes, and even attempting to halt hurricanes. Cloud seeding, a technique involving the addition of agents like silver iodide into clouds to induce rainfall, was among the primary areas of investigation. While precipitation and large storm systems dominated research, there were also explorations into controlling tornadoes.

In 1961, a civil engineer wrote to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (previously known as the National Severe Storms Project, founded in 1960), proposing an innovative idea. He suggested utilizing unmanned aircraft to explore the upper parts of tornadoes and releasing napalm into the twisters to boost temperature and potentially disrupt them. The letter came with a depiction of a tornado and a proposed rocket trajectory. An image of a miniature house and a figure, frantically fleeing from the tornado, was also included in the correspondence.

Officials found the proposition plausible in nature. A researcher from the NSSP added in a memo, “This idea appears feasible theoretically. Yet, controlling the missile’s trajectory may pose a challenge.”

During the Cold War period, there was a belief among scientists that they could manipulate the weather given sufficient study and advanced technology. As noted by historian Kristine Harper, this mindset was a manifestation of the overconfidence of the post-World War II era, where people believed they had the power to master nature.

Although scientists continue to discover essential information about tornadoes, such as their formation process and wind speeds, some experts have boldly suggested to the media that controlling tornados could be a plausible solution for the future once we gain a better understanding of these natural phenomena.

Real-World challenges and shifts in research focus

In the Great Plains region during 1965, it wasn’t easy to hold anyone accountable for optimistic expectations, considering the Palm Sunday tornadoes that swept through various states, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. This disaster resulted in the deaths of 271 people, injuries for thousands more, and approximately $200 million in damages (equivalent to current values). However, even after this catastrophic event, scientists were still far from grasping the fundamental concepts behind tornadoes or finding ways to prevent them.

Many meteorologists were hesitant to embrace large-scale weather manipulation due to the intricate nature of the atmosphere. They recognized that although they had gained significant knowledge, there were still many unknowns regarding how minor adjustments in one region could influence weather patterns in other areas.

In the 1970s, atmospheric scientists seeking greater research funding employed the relatable language of tornado control when addressing elected officials in the Great Plains. Notably, the Tornado Intercept Project, the pioneering scientific storm-chasing initiative, was commenced by researchers at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in 1972.

As a devoted student of meteorology, I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies of tornadoes through firsthand accounts from chasers and radar data. The more I delve into their study, the more I’m amazed by their complexity.

In the late 1970s, there was a decline in confidence and financial support for technological solutions and the related research projects. By the 1980s, the focus on weather modification and controlling tornados had significantly decreased within government circles. Several factors contributed to this shift, including limited funding and excessive red tape. Moreover, scientists questioned their ability to stop a tornado at short notice due to its intricate nature.

Read More

2024-07-21 12:22