Examination of the 13 February 2001 Eastern Pacific Maritime Cyclogenesis
Abstract
On 13 February 2001, an explosive cyclone made landfall in Southern California. This system was responsible for storm force winds and heavy precipitation in the Los Angeles area. This storm is interesting because it was handled poorly by the numerical models and developed in an unusual area. Analysis of this storm revealed double circulation centers and multiple baroclinic zones. Due to weak static stability, air-sea fluxes were contributory in developing the baroclinic zone from which this cyclone originated as well as enhancing its development rate. Evidence suggests that the system may have had a warm core, similar to other intense extratropical cyclones. The models did not properly forecast this system due to weak cold air advection over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and due to blending the subpolar and subtropical jets into a single feature. Data assimilation is suspected to have played a role in the mishandling of these key features.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA403545
Entities
People
- Marc E. Touchton
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School