Understanding the interaction of cumulus convection with larger-scale circulations has been and remains a problem of great importance in atmospheric science. Currently there are two schools of thought regarding this interaction. The first (known as CISK) holds that the tropical atmosphere is conditionally unstable and that the large scale circulation determines where and when the associated available potential energy is released. The second purports that convection is in a state of quasi-equilibrium with the large-scale circulation and is responsible for redistributing heat and moisture, but does not constitute an energy source for those circulations. Theories to explain, among other things, the genesis of tropical cyclones depend on understanding the nature of the interaction between cumulus clouds and the large-scale environment. In 1991, a field experiment known as the Tropical Experiment in Mexico (TEXMEX) was conducted to explore tropical cyclone genesis in the eastern Pacific. The unique data collected as part of that experiment will allow Dr. Emanuel, the PI, to explore fundamental aspects of the genesis problem as well as to gain insights into the broader question of cumulus and large-scale circulation interaction. In addition, the PI will investigate the dynamics of spiral rainbands and concentric eyewalls of tropical cyclones.
