Micro and Macrophysics of Tropical Cyclone Intensification
Abstract
Tropical cyclone (TC) intensification requires cooperation of physical processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales. At the, microscale, water vapor is evaporated from the ocean surface and condensed higher in the atmosphere, resulting in conversion of lat,ent to sensible heat that drives a heat engine. A key to intensification, and especially rapid intensification (RI), is the organiza,tion of the diabatic heating via the mesoscale wind field. This organization occurs through a combination of `macrophysical boundar,y layer and convective processes that respond to the evolving pressure and wind field. Both microphysical and macrophysical processe,s must be parameterized in numerical weather prediction models and significant uncertainties remain in our understanding and predict,ive capability of the underlying physics. This proposed research focuses on these processes and their parameterization to improve pr,ediction and reduce RI impacts on Naval operations. The central objectives of this research are to improve our understanding of micr,o- and macrophysical processes that drive TC intensification. The proposed research will accomplish these objectives through an anal,ysis of field observations in conjunction with high-resolution numerical modeling using a new modeling framework in cylindrical coor,dinates developed by the PI to develop novel scale-aware physical parameterizations that are specific to the TC prediction problem.,The research directly addresses both the atmospheric prediction and air-sea interaction missions of ONR s Marine Meteorology and Spa,ce Program. The research will be conducted during the PI s sabbatical during the 2022/23 academic year in collaboration with scienti,sts from the Naval Research Lab Monterey.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 08, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212737
Entities
People
- Michael M Bell
Organizations
- Colorado State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy