Modeled secondary eyewall and spiral band dynamics

A long-time (order one week) high-resolution numerical integration of a full-physics cloud model of a tropical cyclone vortex is used to investigate the dynamical and thermodynamical processes behind the formation of the principal coherent structures frequently observed in mature tropical cyclones. With a focus on gravity and vortex Rossby wave/mean flow interactions, as well as thermodynamic control principles, we pursue an explanation for the formation of spiral bands and secondary eyewalls and a clearer understanding of how these features influence the structure and intensity of the simulated vortex.