Tropical Cyclone Motion in the Western Pacific.
Abstract
A systematic examination of the physics of beta-drift of tropical cyclones has been undertaken. Sequentially we analysed beta-drift of a vortex with baroclinic structure, explored the physics of development and gyration of beta gyres and then exposed the vortex to environmental shears. Through this work we have: identified physical factors controlling drift of a baroclinic vortex in a quiescent environment, identified variability of drift due to vortex structure, developed a kinetic energy theory to explain gyre formation, identified the effect of horizontal shears on beta-drift, proven that shear strain rate of environmental flow alters drift speed and shown the mechanisms by which environmental shear changes beta-drift direction. A theory has been developed for dependence of beta-drift on environmental shear and initial vortex structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA313859
Entities
People
- Bin Wang
- Thomas A. Schroeder
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi System