2010 Vol. 16, No. 2

EFFECTS OF LOW-LATITUDE MONSOON SURGE ON THE INCREASE IN DOWNPOUR FROM TROPICAL STORM BILIS
WANG Li-juan, LU Shan, GUAN Zhao-yong, HE Jie-lin
2010, 16(2): 101-109.
Abstract(2493) PDF [1784KB](1557)
Abstract:
By using the dataset of CMA-STI Tropical Cyclone Optimal Tracks, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis and intensive surface observations, a study is performed of the influences of a low-latitude monsoon surge on the longer persistence and increase in torrential rains from the landing tropical storm Bilis. Results suggest that the southwest monsoon was anomalously active after Bilis came ashore. The westerly winds in Bilis’s south side might give rise to the poleward movement of the SW monsoon, thus enlarging the pressure gradient between Bilis and the anticyclonic circulation to the south with the result of greatly intensified SW monsoon, which fueled plentiful water vapor, heat and momentum into the declining Bilis and allowed its long stay over land instead of erosion and disappearance. Before Bilis’s landfall, the 2006 East Asian monsoon surge, characterized by the atmospheric ISO, experienced remarkable northward propagation. After landfall, the strong surge and powerful low frequency vapor convergence were just on the south side of Bilis, resulting in sharply increased rainfall. In addition, a broad belt of high-valued vapor fluxes extended from the eastern Arabian Sea via the Bay of Bengal, Indochina Peninsula and the South China Sea into the south of China. The belt was linked with the SW monsoon surge forming a moist tongue stretching from the Bay of Bengal to the south of China, which supplied continuously abundant vapor for Bilis along with the surge propagating poleward.
COMPARISON OF SOME TROPICAL CYCLONE DATASETS AND CORRECTION OF YEARBOOK DATA
ZOU Yan, ZHAO Ping
2010, 16(2): 109-114.
Abstract(1684) PDF [186KB](1292)
Abstract:
This is a study to compare three selected tropical cyclone datasets separately compiled by CMA Shanghai Typhoon Institute (CMA_SHI), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The annual frequencies, observation times and destructive power index as the characteristic quantities are investigated of the tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific. The comparative study has resulted in the following findings: 1) Statistical gaps between the datasets compared are narrowing down as the intensity of tropical cyclones increases. 2) In the context of interdecadal distribution, there is for the 1950s a relatively large gap between the datasets, as compared with a narrowed gap for the period from the mid 1970s to the 1980s, and a recurring widened gap for the mid and late 1990s. Additionally, an approach is proposed in the paper to correct the wind speed data in the TC Yearbook.
TERRAIN IMPACT ON THE PRECIPITATION OF LANDFALLING TYPHOON TALIM
YU Zi-feng, YU Hui, GAO Shou-ting
2010, 16(2): 115-124.
Abstract(1781) PDF [1650KB](1325)
Abstract:
The impact of terrains on the precipitation of landfalling typhoon Talim (2005) over mainland China is investigated using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University-National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model. The simulated precipitation of simulated typhoon (the control) matches the observations closely. To compare with the control simulation, four sensitivity simulations were carried out in which terrains of Wuyi Mountain, Lushan, Dabieshan, and both Lushan and Dabieshan are completely removed respectively, but other surface properties were retained. It is found that the complex terrains of Wuyi Mountain, Lushan and Dabieshan have a significant impact on the rainfall intensity and distribution of Talim. As the terrains are removed, the rainfall is decreased very greatly and the rainfall in inland area is decreased much more than that in the coastal area. Besides, the rainfall distribution near the Lushan and Dabieshan is spread much more westward compared with the control simulation. Further analysis shows that the Wuyi Mountain would increase both the lower level air convergence and the upper level air divergence for Talim that just made landfall and thus it would contribute to the convection and increase rainfall intensity. It can be concluded that the terrains of Wuyi Mountain, Lushan and Dabieshan have obvious impacts on the Talim rainfall, and their impacts are different in various landfalling periods. The present study is a useful attempt to explore the influence of orography on the TCs in mainland China.
A DYNAMICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE WIND FIELD IN TROPICAL CYCLONES WITH THE CONSIDERATION OF OROGRAPHIC FACTORS
HAO Shi-feng, PAN Jin-song, YUE Cai-jun, CUI Xiao-peng, YANG Shi-fang
2010, 16(2): 125-133.
Abstract(1877) PDF [2032KB](1294)
Abstract:
Based on the barotropic primitive equation in the polar coordinate system and the appropriate assumption, we obtained the mathematical equation of orographic forcing on unit mass air parcel. With the consideration of the frictional stress of the sea and land, supposing that parcel velocity in tropical cyclones is in linear variation and that the distribution of surface pressure is circular, a set of equations are derived, which describe the impact of orographic slope error, the central pressure error and position error of tropical cyclones on the wind field in the tropical cyclone. Typhoon Wipha (2007) is selected to verify the above interpretation method. The results show that the orographic slope, the frictional coefficient, the intensity and position of the cyclone are the important factors which have great influence on the interpretation of wind information about tropical cyclones. The dynamic interpretation method gives very good results, especially for the coastal area. It is applicable to improving the forecasts of the wind field in tropical cyclones.
APPLICATION OF ADVECTIVE VORTICITY EQUATION TO TYPHOON FUNG-WONG
YU Zi-feng, YU Hui, GAO Shou-ting
2010, 16(2): 134-142.
Abstract(1579) PDF [2563KB](1641)
Abstract:
The momentum advection vorticity equation in the form of cross multiplication is introduced, in which the divergence term in the classic vorticity equation does not appear explicitly. This equation includes the rotation effect of the horizontal wind advection, which are not explicitly included in the classic vorticity equation. The vorticity and its tendency of Typhoon Fung-Wong (0808) that occurred in July 2008 are analyzed. The computed results show that the rotation effect of the advection of the horizontal wind is a leading factor in determining the change of vertical vorticity for Fung-Wong during its life cycle, especially in the period leading up to landfall. The advection term represents the tendency variation of the vertical vorticity, and the positive-value region of the vertical vorticity tendency is almost in accord with the track of Fung-Wong, which may be taken as a factor to locate the key observational region of Fung-Wong. The equation provides a supplementary diagnostic tool for the systems related with strong advection of horizontal wind.
DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS OF ASYMMETRIC SPIRAL RAINBANDS AROUND THE LANDING OF TYPHOON HAITANG (2005)
WANG Yong, DING Zhi-ying, LI Xun, WANG Qun
2010, 16(2): 143-153.
Abstract(1722) PDF [1127KB](1132)
Abstract:
By using WRF mesoscale model, this paper carries out a numerical simulation and diagnostic analysis of the structural characteristics of the asymmetric spiral rain bands around the landing of Typhoon Haitang during the period of July 19 to 20, 2005. The result indicated that the two rainbands associated with the precipitation centre was mainly located northeast of the typhoon centre. The movement and intensity of the southern rainband corresponded well with the 850-hPa positive vorticity band from 0200 to 1800 UTC July 19, 2005. Under the effect of cyclonic circulation, the positive vorticity band at 850 hPa connected with a southern rain band, leading to the intensification of rainfall in the southern centre of the precipitation. The southward rainband gradually moved toward and then merges with the northward one, strengthening the rainfall in the northern centre of the precipitation. Besides, the relationship between the heavy rainfall and the divergence field of vertical shear wind in the high altitude is analyzed. Finally, the relationship is revealed between the development of the vertical component of convective vorticity vector and the rainfall near the two centres of precipitation in the low altitude.
USE OF A NEW STEERING FLOW METHOD TO PREDICT TROPICAL CYCLONE MOTION
WANG Yong, DING Zhi-ying, LI Xun
2010, 16(2): 154-159.
Abstract(1716) PDF [742KB](1581)
Abstract:
A tropical cyclone is a kind of violent weather system that takes place in warmer tropical oceans and spins rapidly around its center and at the same time moves along surrounding flows. It is generally recognized that the large-scale circulation plays a major role in determining the movement of tropical cyclones and the effects of steering flows are the highest priority in the forecasting of tropical cyclone motion and track. This article adopts a new method to derive the steering flow and select a typical swerving track case (typhoon Dan, coded 9914) to illustrate the validity of the method. The general approach is to modify the vorticity, geostropical vorticity and divergence, investigate the change in the non-divergent stream function, geoptential and velocity potential, respectively, and compute a modified velocity field to determine the steering flow. Unlike other methods in regular use such as weighted average of wind fields or geopoential height, this method has the least adverse effects on the environmental field and could derive a proper steering flow which fits well with storm motion. Combined with other internal and external forcings, this method could have wide application in the prediction of tropical cyclone track.
THE ROLE OF COLD AIR AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER VAPOR IN BOTH TCS NANMADOL (0428) AND IRMA (7427) MAKING LANDFALLON CHINA IN WINTERTIME
HE Jie-lin, GUAN Zhao-yong, WAN Qi-lin, WANG Li-juan
2010, 16(2): 160-170.
Abstract(1950) PDF [1253KB](1351)
Abstract:
The NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data are used to investigate the role of cold air and moisture characteristics during the evolution of two cases of tropical cyclones (Nanmadol and Irma) which made landfall on China in wintertime. The results are shown as follows. (1) The East Asia trough steered the cold air into the tropical ocean in early winter. The tropical cyclones moved in opposite directions with a high moving out to sea and the enhancement of the pressure gradient at the periphery played a role in maintaining and strengthening the intensity of the storms. The intrusion of weak cold air into the low levels of the tropical cyclones strengthened them by improving the cyclonic disturbance when they were still over the warm sea surface. When the cold air was strong enough and intruded into the eyes, the warm cores were damaged and stuffed before dissipation. (2) The tropical cyclones were formed in a convergence zone of moisture flux and their development could enhance the disturbance of water vapor convergence, thus strengthening the moisture convergence zone. However, when they were outside the moisture zone, the storms could not gain sufficient water vapor and became weak. There were no belts of strong moisture transportation during the wintertime tropical cyclone processes.
OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS OF ASYMMETRIC DISTRIBUTION OF CONVECTION ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL CYCLONES “CHANCHU”AND “PRAPIROON” MAKING LANDFALL ALONG THE SOUTH CHINA COAST
YUAN Jin-nan, ZHOU Wen, HUANG Hui-jun, LIAO Fei
2010, 16(2): 171-180.
Abstract(1889) PDF [2397KB](1758)
Abstract:
Observational data of mesoscale surface weather stations and weather radars of Guangdong province are employed to analyze the asymmetric distribution of convection prior to, during and after landfall for tropical cyclones of Chanchu and Prapiroon making landfall on the south China coast in 2006. The results showed that strong convection is located in the eastern and northern sectors of the landfalling Chanchu and Prapiroon, namely in the front and right portions of the TC tracks, for a period of time starting from 12 h prior to landfall to 6 h after it. Their convection also had distinct differences in the vertical direction. The analysis indicated that although the landfall of Chanchu and Prapiroon has the same asymmetric distribution of convection, the causes are not exactly the same. The asymmetric distribution of convection in the case of Chanchu is mainly correlated with the impacts of a strong environmental vertical wind shear, low-level horizontal wind shear, and low-level convergence and divergence. In the case of Prapiroon, however, the asymmetric distribution of convection is mainly associated with the impacts of low-level convergence and divergence.
DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS OF THE RE-INTENSIFICATION OF HIGOS IN SOUTHERN CHINA AFTER LANDFALL
LU Shan, WU Nai-geng
2010, 16(2): 181-188.
Abstract(1510) PDF [1813KB](1238)
Abstract:
The NCEP Global Data Assimilation System analysis of grid data, satellite products of Naval Research Laboratory, conventional meteorological data and observations of automatic weather stations in Guangdong province were used together with environmental conditions, atmospheric circulation, and physical characteristics to diagnose the cause and mechanism of the intensification of tropical cyclone Higos in Southern China. The results showed that favorable environmental conditions of high temperature, humidity of the underlying surface, strong upper divergence, weak vertical wind shear, and the persistence of a southwest jet stream beside the southern Higos were the necessary ingredients that contributed to the maintenance of intensity and re-intensification of Higos. The sinking intrusion of cold air from the lower troposphere was the critical condition for its intensification over land. The frontal genesis caused by weak cold air increased the lower tropospheric convergence and updraft, and the condensation latent heat released by heavy rains promoted convergence. From this positive feedback process, Higos obtained an increasing of positive vorticity and re-intensified over land. The re-intensification was due not only to the build-up of wind and the reduction of pressure but also to the simultaneous warm-up of its warm core.
STUDIES ON RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ENSO AND LANDFALLING TROPICAL CYCLONES IN CHINA
WANG Xiao-ling, SONG Wen-ling
2010, 16(2): 189-194.
Abstract(1668) PDF [236KB](1590)
Abstract:
The data of landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) in China and ENSO events and the NinoZ index during 1951 to 2005 were used to study the relationships between ENSO and landfalling TCs in China. ENSO events from July to September have obvious effects on landfalling TCs in China. When El Niño persists throughout the months, the frequency of landfalling TCs is less than normal, the season of landfalling TCs is shorter, the annually first landfall is later, the annually last landfall is earlier, and the mean intensity is stronger and more landfalling TCs achieve the intensity of typhoon. Otherwise is true for La Niña. That is to say, ENSO events evolving from July to September show strong prediction signals for landfalling TCs in China. When ENSO ends or starts in a year while the NinoZ index remains neutral in July through September, landfalling TCs also have some impacts of ENSO. El Niño events have more significant effects on landfalling TCs than La Niña events.
A NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURES WITH DIFFERENT TEMPORAL RESOLUTIONS ONTYPHOON DUJUAN OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
WANG Xiao-ling, SONG Wen-ling, 蒙伟光, 袁金南, 王东晓
2010, 16(2): 195-200.
Abstract(1917) PDF [565KB](1306)
Abstract:
Daily and weekly sea surface temperature data of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System sensors are used as forcing of the underlying sea surface in the mesoscale numerical model to simulate Typhoon Dujuan that moved across the South China Sea in 2003. The numerical results show that different SSTs near the typhoon center result in differences in the atmospheric wind field, indicating that the model has a fast and obvious response to SSTs. Different SST influences the intensity and track of Dujuan to some degree and has significant impacts on its precipitation and latent heat flux near the eye. The SST influence on Dujuan is mainly fulfilled by changing the latent heat flux between the ocean surface and the atmosphere above.