The goal of this project is to assess the role played in tropical cyclone formation by eddy momentum fluxes associated with upper tropospheric waves and by wind surges in the lower troposphere. Earlier studies by the PI indicate that the fluxes induce the radial circulation which draws warm, moist air inward and concentrates the area of convection in developing atmospheric disturbances, leading to hurricane formation. The principal research method involves numerical modeling of developing and non-developing disturbances and diagnosis of the model runs. Under his previous award, the PI used composite data (a combination of data from a number of cases) for the Atlantic region. Under this award, the PI will investigate individual cases, using data for the northwest Pacific region. A new research emphasis for this project is the investigation of the role of low level wind surges.
