The world of meteorology owes much to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Robert “Bob” Simpson and his wife, Dr. Joanne Simpson, both of whom made monumental contributions to our understanding of hurricanes and tropical meteorology. While Bob’s name is widely recognized due to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, Joanne’s equally transformative contributions often fly under the radar, a reflection of the historical gender biases within scientific communities.
Bob Simpson: Unraveling Hurricane Mysteries
Bob Simpson, a pivotal figure in hurricane research, passed away in 2014 at the age of 102. A towering figure in meteorology, Simpson’s work defined how we categorize and understand the destructive potential of hurricanes. He co-created the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their wind speeds and potential damage. His dedication to meteorological science led to the establishment of the multi-aircraft Hurricane Research Project, allowing for groundbreaking research into the structure and behavior of hurricanes.
Bob’s research revealed critical insights into hurricane dynamics, especially regarding the formation and behavior of the hurricane eye. This knowledge has undoubtedly saved countless lives by improving storm preparedness and forecasting.
Joanne Simpson: A Trailblazing Yet Undervalued Scientist
Joanne Simpson’s career, however, is a story of perseverance against the odds. In 1949, she became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in meteorology, a groundbreaking achievement at a time when women in science faced significant barriers. Her most notable scientific contribution is the “hot tower hypothesis,” which explains how towering clouds within hurricanes contribute to their energy cycle. This was a critical leap in understanding how hurricanes maintain their strength over vast oceanic distances.
Joanne’s work went far beyond theory; she played a key role in NASA’s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), which gathered critical data on tropical storms. Her extensive career spanned multiple universities, NASA, and NOAA, and her leadership on Project Stormfury, aimed at hurricane modification, put her at the forefront of experimental meteorology.
Despite her considerable achievements, Joanne did not receive the same level of public recognition as her husband. This disparity speaks to broader issues of gender inequality in scientific fields. Her legacy, however, continues to be honored through awards like the American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Joanne Simpson Tropical Meteorology Research Award, established to recognize outstanding contributions to tropical meteorology. In 2021, Dr. Kerry H. Cook, a leading climate scientist from the University of Texas, received this prestigious award.
The Role of Weather Modification: Ben Livingston’s Testimony
Adding another layer to the complex history of meteorology, we also consider the work of Lt. Ben Livingston, a meteorologist at the Naval Weapons Research Center, who testified about his involvement in weather modification efforts during the Vietnam War. His controversial claims about the military’s capacity to influence weather patterns drew attention to the ethical implications of using meteorological science for warfare purposes. While weather modification research has been largely downplayed in official narratives, his testimony underscores the dual-edged potential of advances in meteorological science.
SOURCE : https://youtu.be/dYo8Ec6DtWc?si=GfQ2MyGQOSwiSElz&t=880
A Legacy of Collaboration and Innovation
The story of Bob and Joanne Simpson is one of unparalleled contributions to meteorology. Bob’s focus on hurricanes and disaster preparedness paired with Joanne’s pioneering work on tropical clouds and storms made them a powerful scientific duo. Their legacies continue to inspire modern researchers, and it is imperative to remember and celebrate Joanne’s work, not only as a tribute to her brilliance but as a reminder of the many contributions of women in science that have gone unrecognized.
Through awards like the Joanne Simpson Tropical Meteorology Research Award, future generations of scientists are reminded that her work, like Bob’s, has had an enduring impact on the world of meteorology.
For more on Bob Simpson’s life and legacy, visit the NOAA blog (https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hurricane_blog/bob-simpson-passes-away-at-102/). To learn more about Joanne Simpson’s contributions, NASA’s Earth Observatory has an extensive profile (https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Simpson).
