Fully Coupled Atmosphere-Wave-Ocean Modeling of Tropical Cyclones and Impacts over the Western Pacific Ocean
Abstract
The long-term goal of this project is to understand the physical processes of the air-sea interaction and coupling of the atmosphere-ocean system in high-wind maritime regimes, with a particular emphasis on tropical cyclones. One of the most complex aspects of air-sea coupling is the effect of surface waves at the air-sea interface in high-wind conditions. We aim to determine the physical processes that must be represented in coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean models to simulate and predict the coupled atmosphere-ocean system under extreme wind conditions. The specific objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to better understand and predict tropical cyclone (TC) formation, structure, intensification, decay, and interactions with the ocean over the Western North Pacific and adjacent marginal seas; (2) to understand the formation, structure, and recovery of the TC-induced cold wake in the upper ocean and its impact on the immediate TC intensification/decay as well as subsequent TC formations; (3) to implement the CBLAST wind-wave coupling and air-sea flux parameterizations in fully coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean modeling systems for both research and operations in coastal and open oceans; (4) to examine the effects of surface waves on OML dynamics and the impact of TCs on the ocean in a fully coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean modeling system, and (5) to evaluate and further improve the coupled modeling systems using satellite data (including SAR observed waves and winds, scatterometer winds, sea surface temperature/upper ocean temperature, and clouds/precipitation), in situ observations from ONR field campaigns in the Western Pacific, and laboratory measurements (e.g., the wave tank at the University of Miami).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA527198
Entities
People
- Mark A. Donelan
- Shuyi S. Chen
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science