Interaction of Kelvin and Easterly Waves Over the Atlantic and Implications for Tropical Cyclogenesis

Previous studies have shown that Kelvin waves may initiate the tropical cyclogenesis over the Atlantic by interacting with easterly waves. (e.g. Ventrice et al, 2012; Schreck, 2015). Ventrice et al. (2012b) suggested that Kelvin waves impact tropical cyclone activity by modulating vertical wind shear and low-level vorticity. However, the details of dynamic and thermodynamic aspects of the easterly wave-Kelvin wave interaction and how that mediates tropical cyclogenesis are not understood.

In this study, we examine the mechanisms of interaction between these waves. We seek to answer the following scientific questions: (1) What are the underlying dynamics of the interaction between these two waves?; (2) How does moist convection influence the interaction?; (3) What determines whether tropical cyclogenesis is enhanced or suppressed following the interaction?