Analytic Modeling of Severe Vortical Storms.
Abstract
Analytic modeling of well-organized convective storms was undertaken to elucidate the evolution from a moderately intense one-cell vortex--characterized by low-level pressure deficits on the order of one percent of atmospheric pressure--to a very intense two-cell vortex--characterized by low-level pressure deficits on the order of ten percent of atmospheric pressure. The physical distinction between the two stages is the insertion of a dry, compressionally heated, nonrotating, central downdraft of originally tropopause-level air in the more severe case. The quasisteady mature description of the thermohydrodynamic structure of each vortex is being developed, and then the conditions for transition from the moderately intense to the very intense vortex are to be sought. The practical motivation is to make progress toward the highly desirable, but very formidable, task of being able to anticipate which tropical storms or minimal hurricanes will evolve to supertyphoons. Description of the two-cell vortex is the current challenge. In particular, the properties and location of the eye wall are sought, since the potential-vortex and surface-inflow subdivisions of the structure of a very intense vortex are in hand. The modeling proceeds from basic thermohydrodynamic principles. Nonessential geometric detail, as well as association of conclusions with the details of particular parameterizations, is being avoided as much as possible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 08, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086919
Entities
People
- Francis Fendell
- George Carrier
- Phillip Feldman