Scientists propose underwater 'bubble net' to stop hurricanes

BORRE, NORWAY — Norwegian scientists have come up with a bizarre plan that would use existing technology to slow hurricanes or prevent them from forming altogether by using underwater bubbles.

Norwegian firm OceanTherm has proposed stretching a "bubble net" between two ships or moors and submerged 300 feet below the ocean's surface. The bubble net is a perforated pipe that would use compressed air to pump cold water from the depths.

Hurricanes form when surface water temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or 26.5 degrees Celsius. These warm waters evaporate into warm humid air that is the source of energy for hurricanes.

According to OceanTherm, cooling water from the bubble net would starve hurricanes of their energy source, stopping them from making landfall or at least preventing them from developing into stronger storms.

A bubble net could potentially be placed across a stretch of ocean that forms a natural choke point for hurricanes on their way to land, such as the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba.