Boundary-Layer Processes Associated with Rapid Intensification in Tropical Cyclones
Abstract
The proposed project seeks to better understand multiscale processes and interactions that occur ahead of and at the onset of tropical cyclone rapid intensification, particularly focusing on moderately sheared tropical cyclones and boundary-layer processes. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how environmental factors, mesoscale processes, and turbulent structures cooperatively interact to yield rapid intensification. Our proposed approaches are to compare tropical cyclones that do and do not undergo rapid intensification through 1) an analog method to compare environmental and storm-scale patterns, 2) real-case COAMPS-TC and idealized Cloud Model 1 ensemble simulations to analyze mesoscale differences, and 3) large-eddy simulations to understand the role of turbulent, boundary-layer flows. We also propose to evaluate and refine the boundary-layer scheme in COAMPS-TC, using the large-eddy simulation and observational data. The anticipated outcomes are 1) an ingredients-based conceptual understanding of environmental flow-shear-thermodynamic controls on storm-scale patterns (e.g., surface fluxes), mesoscale patterns (e.g., mesovortices and convective bursts), and boundary-layer response (e.g., inflow, boundary-layer height, and mixing) that are important for the onset of rapid intensification; and 2) recommended improvements to the COAMPS-TC boundary-layer scheme that will result in better representations of the tropical cyclone boundary layer and more skillful forecasts of rapid intensification. The knowledge gained from this project will aid in improving conceptual understanding and numerical forecasts of tropical cyclone intensity change, both of which will help mitigate against tropical cyclone risks to Navy interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312443
Entities
People
- Brian H. Tang
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Research Foundation for the State University of New York
- United States Navy