A new study published in Proceedings in the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the mixing of freshwater with ocean water may be responsible for increasing hurricane strength by 50 percent.

Scientific researchers analyzed paths of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean from the last decade in the study. Results found cyclones that passed over “typical ocean waters” gained the strength of one meter per second, whereas cyclones that passed over “freshwater barrier layers” gained the strength of 1.5 meters per second. The study may impact future hurricane forecasts by determining the strength of the storm by judging its path over freshwater sources, such as rivers or previous heavy rainfalls.

Mobile homes and trailers that were purchased by FEMA in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have appeared to make their way back to Florida and other parts of the United States, now in the hands of private businesses and individuals.

FEMA auction records from 2006 through May 2012 show the homes and trailers were sold for pennies on the dollar with RV dealers and mobile home parks buying thousands to take advantage of the heavily discounted prices.

According to FEMA, new trailers cost the agency $15,000 to $30,000 in the wake of the Gulf disaster. The same trailers were sold only a few years later for as low as $25 or $129, according to records. Many homes and trailers were listed under $3,000, according to one Houston-area dealer who purchased thousands.

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