Extended Abstract (60K)JP4.1
Use of Quik Scat imagery in the diagnosis and detection of Gulf of Tehuantepec wind events 1999–2002
Hugh D. Cobb III, NOAA/NWS/NCEP/TPC, Miami, FL; and D. P. Brown and R. Molleda
The Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) of the Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) has marine forecast responsibility for the Tropical East Pacific and Atlantic oceans. One of the most difficult forecast challenges in the TAFB area of marine responsibility lies in forecasting the onset and duration of Gulf of Tehuantepec wind events, also known as "Tehuantepecers". These events occur in association with central American cold surges (Schultz et al, 1993) and can produce winds of hurricane force in some of the more extreme events.
The TPC/TAFB utilizes QUIKSCAT data to help define areas of strong winds in our marine area of responsibility, provide an estimate of tropical storm force wind radii for tropical cyclones, and to delineate major synoptic scale features (fronts, gale centers) that impact the TAFB area of responsibility. During the period 1999-2002, over 50 Gulf of Tehuantepec gale events have occurred. QUIKSCAT data has provided verification on the horizontal extent and magnitude of these events. Based on the Quikscat verification, this study will attempt to provide a climatology (both spatially and temporally) of Gulf of Tehuantepec gale events and develop a conceptual model of synoptic scale precursor signatures.
Joint Poster Session 4, Air-Sea and QuikSCAT Applications (Joint Poster Session between 12 Conference on Satellite Meteorology and 12th Conference on Interactions of the Sea and Atmosphere)
Wednesday, 12 February 2003, 3:30 PM-5:30 PM
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