Further Examination of the Thermodynamic Modification of the Inflow Layer of Tropical Cyclones by Vertical Wind Shear
Abstract
Recent work has developed a new framework for the impact of vertical wind shear on the intensity evolution of tropical cyclones. A focus of this framework is on the frustration of the tropical cyclone's power machine by shear-induced persistent downdrafts that flush relatively cool and dry (lower equivalent potential temperature) air into the storm's inflow layer. These previous results have been based on idealised numerical experiments for which we have deliberately chosen a simple set of physical parameterisations. Before efforts are undertaken to test the proposed framework with real atmospheric data, we assess here the robustness of our previous results in a more realistic and representative experimental setup by surveying and diagnosing five additional numerical experiments. The modifications of the experimental setup comprise the values of the exchange coefficients of surface heat and momentum fluxes, the inclusion of experiments with ice microphysics, and the consideration of weaker, but still mature tropical cyclones.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 11, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA573889
Entities
People
- M. E. Nicholls
- M. Riemer
- Michael T. Montgomery
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School