Microwave satellite imagery is a valuable tool for the observation of mature tropical cyclones. This study examined the application of microwave data to the extratropical transition (ET) process. During ET a tropical cyclone (TC) moves into an area of large gradients in many atmospheric parameters. The data sparse regions in which these gradients exist make the examination of key physical mechanisms responsible for the ET process difficult. The Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) was used to investigate temperature and water vapor gradients. Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer was used to examine WV gradients and precipitation intensities. These observations were combined with diagnostic analysis of frontogenesis during the ET process of a TC that re-intensified as an extratropical cyclone and a TC that dissipated. Although the different outcomes of ET were related to differences in coupling between the decaying TC and the midlatitude environment, microwave data were useful for defining specific characteristics that either inhibited or enhanced the coupling of the decaying TC with the midlatitude environment.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:nps.edu/oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/2244 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Stubblefield, Cedrick L. |
| Contributors | Harr, Patrick, Durkee, Phil, Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)., Department of Meteorology |
| Publisher | Monterey California. Naval Postgraduate School |
| Source Sets | Naval Postgraduate School |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | xiv, 71 p. : ill. (some col.) ;, application/pdf |
| Rights | Approved for public release, distribution unlimited |
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