This study examines interactions between tropical cyclones and the nearby environment as the cyclone leaves the tropics. It proves the hypothesis that any asymmetry in the structure of a tropical cyclone can perturb the track. The study employs data from a primitive equation global spectral model and two observational studies. Results indicate the environment can modify the cyclone structure with significant impact on track. There are two levels of interaction. Strong interactions occur when the cyclone absorbs mid-latitude weather systems into its circulation. Trajectory analyses confirm the mid-latitude origin of the air parcels in the strongest case presented here. This process produces major changes in the vortex structure and track. These interactions can help or hinder recurvature depending on the interaction geometry. Weak interactions occur when the vortex is slightly modified. They produce smaller track changes than strong interactions. Another case shows an interaction with the monsoon trough, and this proves any interaction can perturb the vortex structure. Three cases indicate that recurvature processes start at the top of the cyclone and work down. The study also shows the existence of barotropic beta gyres in both model and observational data. These are most apparent when the cyclone is not interacting with other weather systems. Interactions with other systems produce perturbations in the vortex that make beta gyres insignificant. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 55-09, Section: B, page: 3936. / Major Professor: T. N. Krishnamurti. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1994.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77265 |
| Contributors | Beven, John Lansing, II., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 208 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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