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The project utilizes paleotempestology—analyzing coastal lagoon sediments, stalagmites, tree-rings, and corals—to reconstruct past hurricane activity in the Caribbean and Mexico. Key findings link increased hurricane activity to warmer sea surface temperatures and specific climate patterns like the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The research identifies peaks in activity during the Medieval period (AD 900-1100) and since 1980, while also noting an anti-phase relationship in landfall activity between Central America and the eastern Caribbean/U.S. East coast. Additionally, the study assesses coastal vulnerability in the U.S., noting millions of people live in low-elevation areas.

The project uses proxy data—including coral, stalagmites, tree-rings, and coastal lagoon sediments—to analyze past Caribbean hurricane activity and its relationship with sea surface temperatures and climate patterns. Initial findings indicate that higher hurricane activity before AD 1550 and after 1750 correlates with warmer sea surfaces, with peaks occurring during the Medieval period (AD 900-1100) and since 1980. The study also highlights the role of the Intra-Americas Low-Level Jet (IALLJ) in affecting storm strength and notes significant population vulnerability along the U.S. coast.