Noosa District State High School Year 12 Geography students were thrilled to hear from the Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Diane Eadie last week.
Ms Eadie responded to the students’ weather-related questions in great depth and detail.
Year 12 student Lauren Hall asked why Australia is severely affected by La Niňa and El Niňo, with Ms Eadie explaining that this is due to the fact Australia is heavily influenced by sea surface temperatures.
“Warmer water equates to more moisture in the atmosphere, which leads to a greater potential for rain,” Ms Eadie said.
The students were also interested to learn how the BoM predicts the time and location of cyclones.
“The presence of certain tropical waves (Madden-Julian Oscillation, Kelvin Waves, Mixed Rossby-Gravity Waves) can have an effect on the monsoon. When the monsoon is active, there is an increased likelihood of tropical cyclone development,” Ms Eadie said.
The students were relieved to learn that the BoM do not expect to see a bushfire season as severe as last season.
“ … Eastern Australia is less likely to see prolonged and widespread fire activity like we saw last season. That being said, even one bad day can have devastating impacts, and conditions remain dry in the west,” Ms Eadie said.
Lauren Hall also asked whether a cyclone could be named in her honour.
Ms Eadie said there are many requests from members of the public and it could take over 50 years before a name is allocated.
Those who would like to have a name suggested are to submit a written request (including the pronunciation) of the name to: Manager Tropical Cyclone and Extreme Weather, Bureau of Meteorology, GPO Box 1289, Melbourne, VIC, 3001.
Ms Eadie said her favourite aspect of working at the BoM is that she watches the weather all day.
“Meteorology is an evolving science, and we don’t have all the answers – that means I am constantly learning new things and being amazed by phenomenon that I haven’t seen before,” Ms Eadie said.
Another important benefit of working at the BoM that Ms Eadie noted was that she is “ … always the one who remembers to bring an umbrella when all of my friends forget and get caught in the rain.”
The Year 12 Geography class found the exchange with the BoM to be fascinating and appreciated the time Ms Eadie took to answer their questions.
