Upper-ocean influences on hurricane intensification modeling
Name
48625420-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
4.1 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
3da97edff14d0fcaae398fddcb630374
Author(s)
DesAutels, Christopher Gerald, 1975-
Advisor(s)
Kerry Emanuel.
Date Issued
2000
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Hurricane intensification modeling has been a difficult problem for the atmospheric science community. Complex models have been built to simulate the process, but with only a certain amount of success. A model developed by Dr. Kerry Emanuel is much simpler compared to previous studies. The Emanuel model approaches hurricane intensification as an ocean-controlled process where the upper-ocean heat content limits intensification. It is shown that this ocean-based model can produce very accurate results when the true structure of the ocean can be determined. The Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX) provides an opportunity for the model to be tested through the use of satellite altimetry. Measurements of the mixed layer depth and upper-ocean heat content are incorporated into the model for Hurricanes Bret, Gert, Opal, Mitch and Dolly. This technique is shown to be quite reliable for many storms, especially in the Gulf of Mexico. Limitations are examined where this method breaks down and improvements are suggested for its development into a forecasting tool.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, 2000.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 32-33).
Subjects
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
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