P4.8
The role of environmental inertial stability in tropical cyclone intensification: Symmetric environment
Eric D. Rappin, Univ. of Miami/RSMAS, Miami, FL; and M. C. Morgan and G. J. Tripoli
A hierarchy of numerical models has been employed to explore the role of symmetric inertial stability environments on tropical cyclone intensity. An idealized axisymmetric model was utilized to compare the intensity evolution of simulations performed with variable Coriolis parameter, initial vortex structure, and outflow layer inertial stability. Reasons for the similar intensity evolutions and observed eyewall replacement cycles will be offered. High resolution, three-dimensional simulations were also performed with variable Coriolis parameter. Both storm structure and intensification rates were analyzed. It was found that low latitude simulations intensified to their potential intensity 35% more rapidly then the high latitude simulations. The small environmental Rossby radius of deformation in the low latitude simulations imply a dominance of divergent motion over rotational motion with significantly less resistance to tropical cyclone outflow and an order of magnitude reduction of the outflow layer energy drain.
Poster Session 4, Tropical Cyclone Structure and Intensity
Tuesday, 25 April 2006, 1:30 PM-5:00 PM, Monterey Grand Ballroom
Previous paper Next paper