17 Examination of the role of intense convection in tropical cyclone formation

Monday, 1 August 2011
Marquis Salon 3 (Los Angeles Airport Marriott)
Zhaoxia Pu, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; and Z. Li

The role of intense convection in tropical cyclone formation is examined with airborne Doppler radar observations, in conjunction with TRMM satellite data and high-resolution numerical simulations. In this study, we will first characterize the convective properties of the selected tropical waves during TPARC/TCS08 (2008) and PREDICT (2010) using radar and satellite observations. The intensity, distribution and evolution of the convection systems will be compared for developing and non-developing tropical waves. The relationship between intense convection and tropical cyclone formation will be evaluated. Key findings from the data analysis will be further studied by numerical simulations with the objective to understand the processes that connect the intense convection and TC formation and rapid intensification. Preliminary results will be discussed.
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