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Abstract The effect of tropical cyclone (TC) size on TC-induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling and subsequent TC intensification is an intriguing issue without much exploration. Via compositing satellite-observed SST over the western North Pacific during 2004–19, this study systematically examined the effect of storm size on the magnitude, spatial extension, and temporal evolution of TC-induced SST anomalies (SSTA). Consequential influence on TC intensification is also explored. Among the various TC wind radii, SSTA are found to be most sensitive to the 34-kt wind radius (R34) (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1). Generally, large TCs generate stronger and more widespread SSTA than small TCs (for category 1–2 TCs, R34: ∼270 vs 160 km; SSTA: −1.7° vs −0.9°C). Despite the same effect on prolonging residence time of TC winds, the effect of doubling R34 on SSTA is more profound than halving translation speed, due to more wind energy input into the upper ocean. Also differing from translation speed, storm size has a rather modest effect on the rightward shift and timing of maximum cooling. This study further demonstrates that storm size regulates TC intensification through an oceanic pathway: large TCs tend to induce stronger SST cooling and are exposed to the cooling for a longer time, both of which reduce the ocean’s enthalpy supply and thereby diminish TC intensification. For larger TCs experiencing stronger SST cooling, the probability of rapid intensification is half of smaller TCs. The presented results suggest that accurately specifying storm size should lead to improved cooling effect estimation and TC intensity prediction.
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The Influence of Oceanic Barrier Layers on Tropical Cyclone Intensity as Determined through Idealized, Coupled Numerical Simulations
The connection relating upper-ocean salinity stratification in the form of oceanic barrier layers to tropical cyclone (TC) intensification is investigated in this study. Previous works disagree on whether ocean salinity is a negligible factor on TC intensification. Relationships derived in many of these studies are based on observations, which can be sparse or incomplete, or uncoupled models, which neglect air–sea feedbacks. Here, idealized ensemble simulations of TCs performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled to the 3D Price–Weller–Pinkel (PWP) ocean model facilitate examination of the TC–upper-ocean system in a controlled, high-resolution, mesoscale environment. Idealized vertical ocean profiles are modeled after barrier layer profiles of the Amazon–Orinoco river plume region, where barrier layers are defined as vertical salinity gradients between the mixed and isothermal layer depths. Our results reveal that for TCs of category 1 hurricane strength or greater, thick (24–30 m) barrier layers may favor further intensification by 6%–15% when averaging across ensemble members. Conversely, weaker cyclones are hindered by thick barrier layers. Reduced sea surface temperature cooling below the TC inner core is the primary reason for additional intensification. Sensitivity tests of the results to storm translation speed, initial oceanic mixed layer temperature, and atmospheric vertical wind shear provide a more comprehensive analysis. Last, it is shown that the ensemble mean intensity results are similar when using a 3D or 1D version of PWP.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1663947
- PAR ID:
- 10115766
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Meteorological Society
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Physical Oceanography
- Volume:
- 49
- Issue:
- 7
- ISSN:
- 0022-3670
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 1723-1745
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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