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Investigating the Relationship between Sea Surface Chlorophyll and Major Features of the South China Sea with Satellite Information
Published on: June 13, 2020
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Stratified coastal ocean interactions with tropical cyclones
S M Glenn1, T N Miles1, G N Seroka1
1Center for Ocean Observing Leadership, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 71 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA.
Nature Communications
|March 9, 2016
Summary
Ocean cooling significantly reduces hurricane intensity. This study reveals that coastal ocean mixing causes rapid cooling ahead of hurricanes, a key factor missing in current intensity forecasts. Understanding this process is vital for predicting storm impacts.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Meteorology
- Climate Science
Background:
- Hurricane track forecasting has advanced significantly, but hurricane intensity forecasting lags behind.
- Coastal ocean dynamics play a crucial role in modulating hurricane intensity, yet are often simplified in models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of coastal ocean processes on hurricane intensity.
- To identify the missing mechanisms in hurricane intensity forecasts using Hurricane Irene as a case study.
Main Methods:
- Integrated ocean observations and simulations were used to analyze Hurricane Irene (2011).
- Historical buoy data (1985-2015) from the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Yellow Sea were analyzed.
- Atmospheric simulations were employed to assess the effect of ocean cooling on hurricane intensity reduction.
Main Results:
- Wind-forced two-layer ocean circulation caused significant ahead-of-eye-centre cooling (6-11 °C) on the continental shelf during Hurricane Irene.
- This cooling was identified as a critical factor in reproducing Irene's rapid intensity reduction.
- Historical data confirmed ahead-of-eye-centre cooling beneath tropical cyclones on the Mid-Atlantic Bight shelf during stratified summer conditions.
Conclusions:
- Realistic coastal baroclinic processes are essential for accurate hurricane intensity forecasts.
- As sea levels rise and tropical cyclones intensify and migrate poleward, these findings are critical for mid-latitude population centers.
- Incorporating ocean mixing and cooling effects will improve predictions of storm impacts.
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