New study finds that human activities are boosting ocean temperatures and likely increasing hurricane intensity. Rising ocean temperatures in key hurricane breeding grounds of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are due primarily to human-caused increases in greenhouse gas concentrations. The rising temperatures are not the sole determinant of hurricane intensity, but they are likely to be one of the most significant influences.

Audio Transcript:

Storm Warning, Storm Warming...

I'm Bob Karson with "The Discovery Files" -- new advances in science and engineering from the National Science Foundation.

SOUND: (ocean, rough seas)

In the hurricane breeding grounds of the Atlantic and Pacific, the waters are getting warmer, and that's helping to generate more intense storms. It seems that humans are fueling the cycle.

Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the Lawrence Livermore National Lab, working with other institutions, have concluded that over the last century, greenhouse gases produced by human activity are causing the sea surface to warm.

SOUND: (hurricane)

Warmer sea surface equals feistier hurricanes.

The recipe for a hurricane usually includes a dash of windshear, a generous sprinkling of water vapor, and a pinch of atmospheric instability. Warmer waters are not the sole ingredient that determines hurricane intensity, but are likely the main one.

The researchers expect sea surface temperatures to rise even more in the next century. So when it comes to hurricane intensity, we could be putting ourselves in a little hot water.

"The Discovery Files" covers projects funded by the government's National Science Foundation. Federally sponsored research -- brought to you, by you! Learn more at nsf.gov.