The Formation and Evolution of Convective Bursts in Hurricanes: An Observational Study

Deep convective bursts are critical elements in the hurricane intensification process as they deliver energy extracted from the ocean to the main body of the vortex, enabling an increase of the total energy of the storm. How do convective bursts form and what details of these features are important for the storm intensification? Building on a conceptual model identified in prior work, this study will address the formation and evolution of convective bursts in hurricane case studies sampled by NOAA and NASA aircraft. Airborne Doppler radars, microwave sounders, in situ and satellite data will be combined to understand the details of convective bursts and how they relate to a generalized understanding of hurricane intensification.