Questions on Tropical Cyclone Structure as Analyzed from Precipitative Patterns Observed in Passive Microwave Imagery

Since 2003, the TRMM, AMSR-E, AMSR-2, and GPM satellites have been providing high resolution passive microwave (PMW) imagery for studying tropical cyclones (TC). However, these data have been underutilized in evaluating TC intensity and structure. An analysis is presented of precipitation distributions and patterns in tropical cyclones. While previous presentations on PMW imagery have identified patterns of characteristic stages of development for both sheared and non-sheared environments and potential for current intensity estimates, can TC PMW imagery be used to answer additional questions that might have practical use in forecasting, including: Can we determine the evolution of the radius of maximum wind in early stages of development? Is the Kieper ring indicator of rapid intensification related to development of the secondary circulation? Why do some TCs develop spiral banding and others develop a more symmetric structure / banding eye development? Analysis data sets include extended best track data sets, reconnaissance data, and PMW overpass data from Atlantic and East Pacific basins.