Effects of equatorially-trapped tropical waves on tropical cyclogenesis: High resolution simulations in idealized conditions

Understanding the role of tropical waves in tropical cyclogenesis is fundamental to improving forecasts of tropical cyclogenesis and intensification. Equatorially-trapped, tropical waves cause sufficient oscillations in the magnitude of the pressure, temperature, and wind fields such that they have the ability to influence the large-scale weather of the tropical atmosphere. The Nested Regional Climate Model (NRCM) developed at The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) was used to study the role of equatorially-trapped tropical waves in tropical cyclogenesis. In particular, the effects these waves have in modulating the low- and mid-level vorticity, vertical shear, and convection will be investigated.