Study on the Rapid Intensification of Sinlaku (2008): The Impact of SST and Environmental Moisture

Sinlaku (2008) is one of significant typhoon in north western Pacific in 2008, it experirenced two distinct periods of rapid intensification. During the first intensification period, it intensified from 35 knots at 12Z on 8 September to 120 Knots at 12Z on 10 September and maintained this intensity for about one day. This work investigated the ocean and environmental factors that controled its first rapid intensification process as it moved northeastward toward Taiwan. The low environmental wind shear, moderate translational speed and high Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and environmental moisture were all beneficial to Sinlaku's rapid intensification. With the advanced research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW) model, the Sinlaku's track and intensity change was successfully simulated. Sensitive numerical experiments were also carried on to evaluate the impact of SST and environmental moisture on the rapid intensification of Sinlaku. The preliminary results showed that the rapid intensification of Sinlaku was sensitive to the variation of SST. The lower SST would slow down the intensification and even affect its movement hereafter. The environmental moisture was also found important to this intensification process.