ON THE DYNAMICS AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS IN STEADY-STATE HURRICANES,
Abstract
A dynamic model of the inflow layer in a steady mature hurricane is evolved, relating wind speed, pressure gradient, surface shearing stress, mass flow, and convergence. The low-level air trajectories are assumed to be logarithmic spirals. With this hypothesis, properties such as maximum wind and central pressure are determined through choice of a parameter depending on the inflow angle: a moderate hurricane arises with inflow angles of about 20 degrees, while 25 degrees gives an intense or extreme storm. Most of this study treats the moderate storm. In order to maintain its core pressure gradients, an oceanic source of sensible and latent heat is required. As a result, latent heat release in the inner hurricane area occurs at higher heat content (warmer moist adiabats) than mean tropical subcloud air. The heat transfer from the ocean and the release of latent in the core determine the pressure gradient along the trajectory. This selection principle is evolved using recent work on 'relative stability' of finite amplitude thermal circulations. Finally, rainfall, efficiency of work done by the storm, and kinetic energy budgets are examined in an attempt to understand the difference between the hurricane - a rare phenomenon - and the common sub-hurricane tropical storm. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0651590
Entities
People
- H. Riehl
- J. S. Malkus
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution