Upper-level trajectories in the prototype problem for tropical cyclone intensification

Wang, Shanghong and Smith, Roger K. (2021): Upper-level trajectories in the prototype problem for tropical cyclone intensification. In: Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, Vol. 147, No. 738: pp. 2978-2987

Abstract

Data from an idealized three-dimensional numerical simulation of tropical cyclone intensification are used to calculate Lagrangian air parcel trajectories emanating from the inflow layer that develops beneath the upper-tropospheric outflow layer. It is found that about half of these trajectories end up in the outflow layer itself. The other half slowly subside to the mid- to upper troposphere, below the outflow layer, and drift slowly outwards as a result of a relatively weak overturning circulation in that region. Calculations show that pseudo-equivalent potential temperature is not approximately conserved along the air parcel trajectories, indicating that the turbulent diffusion of heat and moisture and/or the latent heat changes by freezing or melting along the trajectories is appreciable in the mid- and upper troposphere.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Physics
• Subjects: 500 Science > 530 Physics
• ISSN: 0035-9009
• Language: English