The Orographic Effects Induced by an Island Mountain Range on Propagating Tropical Cyclones.
Abstract
The orography effects on propagating tropical cyclone exerted by an idealized mesoscale, island mountain range was investigated by using a multi-layer primitive equation model with parameterized physics. The numerical simulation successfully reproduces the following observed behavior of the westward propagation tropical cyclones: (1) The intensity of the tropical cyclone is reduced; (2) the translating speed increases before passing the mountain ridge; (3) the storm center moves cyclonically in passing over the mountain; (4) the distribution of vertical motion is orographically modulated, upward motion occurs on the windside slopes where the vorticity is positive. The results indicated that the approaching tropical cyclone induces a cyclonic circulation around the topography. The mountain range constitutes a physical obstruction to the low-level flow and generates a strong easterly mass flow to the north of the mountain range.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA106230
Entities
People
- R. V. Madala
- S. W. Chang
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory