This project explored how various publics consume and process changing tropical cyclone information and forecasts over time. Most research to date has focused on obtaining social science data from people 2–4 weeks after a tropical cyclone has impacted an area. This study is unique and novel in that it created a social science methodology similar to a meteorological observation system (like a dropsonde for example) allowing the research team to deploy social science surveys before, during, and after tropical cyclone events. Like the collection of meteorological observations, this social science methodology collects people’s information-seeking behaviors, risk perceptions, and protective action responses in near real-time as a tropical cyclone evolves. This research highlights the need to continue building capacity to collect and analyze social science observational data in conjunction with meteorological observations. When they are integrated, not only does this effort tie the value of our science to societal response; it also highlights where we can improve in an effort to continuously serve society. For more information, check out their NOAA Library webinar here.
Project Contacts:
POC name: Gina Eosco POC email: Gina.Eosco@noaa.gov
PI name: Julie Demuth PI email: Jdemuth@ucar.edu