The potential relationships between tropical cyclones and global climate change are scientifically and socially complex, with great implications for society. The exceptional nature of the 2005 North Atlantic hurricane season alone provides great incentives for better understanding the full range of interactions and causes and effects thereof. The 2005 season saw the largest number (27) of named storms (sustained winds over 17 m s~(-1)) and the largest number (14) of hurricanes (sustained winds over 33 m s~(-1)), and it was the only year with three category 5 storms (maximum sustained winds over 67 m s~(-1)). Also recorded was the most intense storm on record (Wilma, minimum pressure 882 hPa), the most intense storm ever in the Gulf of Mexico (Rita,897 hPa), and the most costly storm on record (Katrina; some estimates put the cost of Katrina at as high as 200 billion dollar; see information online at www.rms.com/Publications/ KatrinaReport_Lessonsandlmplications.pdf). (Please seewww.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/ hurricanes05.htm for additional details.)
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