A CYGNSS Tropical Cyclone Integrated Kinetic Energy (IKE) Science Data Product

Recent studies have shown that the maximum surface wind speed (VMAX) is not always a good indicator of a tropical cyclone's (TC) destructive potential, especially when considering TC storm surge. A better indication of a TC's destructive potential can be determined from a TC's integrated kinetic energy (IKE), which integrates the square of surface wind speed over the entire storm.

The CYclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) constellation of eight, small satellites, to be launched in late 2016, will provide unique observations of ocean surface wind speed under all precipitating conditions. Deployed into a 35-degree inclination circular orbit, the CYGNSS constellation is optimized to provide estimates of surface wind speed with high temporal resolution throughout a TC life cycle. An IKE product derived from CYGNSS level-2 wind speed data is developed and tested in this paper. For validation, the product's performance is characterized pre-launch using a mission simulator. A CYGNSS IKE product could be useful to storm surge modelers and TC forecasters.