The Tropical Cyclone Outflow Layer

As a first and second year graduate student at the University at Albany, I studied the large-scale structure of tropical cyclones and the associated balanced vortex response.

Research Details

Description: This study used ERA-Interim analyses to generate azimuthally averaged composites of Atlantic basin tropical cyclones from 1979-2014, stratified by intensity. Both the mean state and the eddy forcing terms exhibited similar radial–vertical structure for all storm intensities, varying only in magnitude. Thus, only major hurricanes are described in detail. A balanced vortex equation was applied to understand the role of eddy heat and momentum fluxes. Each of the five individual forcing terms wass analyzed. Results found highlight the importance of outflow-environment interactions in inducing a strengthened secondary circulation.

Publication: Ditchek, S. D., J. Molinari, and D. Vollaro, 2017: Tropical cyclone outflow-layer structure and balanced response to eddy forcings. J. Atmos. Sci. 74, 133-149. Publisher's Online Version | PDF - © Copyright 2017 AMS

Presenting my results at the 17th Cyclone Workshop Poster Session.

Presentations