A theory for the spinup of tropical depressions

✍ Scribed by D. J. Raymond; S. L. Sessions; Ž. Fuchs

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2007
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 195 KB
• Volume: 133
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0035-9009
• DOI: 10.1002/qj.125

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Recent advances in our understanding of the physics of precipitation over tropical oceans is married with vorticity dynamics to produce a simple theory for the development or non‐development of tropical depressions. This early phase of tropical cyclogenesis is perhaps the least understood part of the whole process. The theory predicts a finite amplitude threshold for intensification, with weaker disturbances decaying. Furthermore, only disturbances with radii larger than a critical value develop. Rough estimates of this critical radius place it near 1600 km, though better estimates of various parameters could change this value significantly. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society