Thermodynamic and Kinematic Properties of Isolated
Convective Cells in the Rainband Region of Atlantic Hurricanes (95)
Peyton Barlow, University
of South Alabama, Department of Earth Sciences, Mobile, AL
Samuel Sangster, University
of South Alabama, Department of Earth Sciences
Dr. Wesley Terwey, University
of South Alabama, Department of Earth Sciences
Abstract:
Thermodynamic and Kinematic
Processes of Isolated Convective Cells in the Rainband Region of Atlantic
Hurricanes
Peyton Barlow, Samuel
Sangster, Dr.Wesley Terwey University of South Alabama, Department of Earth
Sciences
ABSTRACT
It is well known that
hurricane rainbands commonly embed supercells which can harbor tornadoes and
other enhanced wind damage potential. However, local, non-rainband convective
cells in the tropical cyclone rainband region are also frequently responsible
for tornadic and severe wind damage [Edwards et al. (2012), McCaul et al.
(2004)]. While the general environment in this outer region of the hurricane
has been sampled and studied by many in the past, we will present statistical
information on the local environments which these discrete, isolated cells form
in. Utilizing datasets from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) hurricane research aircraft over the last two decades, we identified and
documented the thermodynamic and kinematic conditions in the vicinity of
convective cells within the rainband regions of Atlantic hurricanes. Both lower
fuselage and composited tail radar data are used to identify convective cells, primarily
focused on those distinct from the rainband. Near-cell proximity dropwindsondes
are selected, categorized and analyzed. Each dropwindsonde is categorized as
either an inflow sonde, an outflow sonde, or a general environmental sonde
based on its location to the cell and the sonde's thermodynamic and kinematic
characteristics. After compiling these categories of sondes, thermodynamic
variables and kinematic parameters are calculated and statistics are compiled.
The final goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of
environmental characteristics associated with the initiation, morphology, and
dynamics of convective cells in tropical cyclones. This study should lead to a
better understanding of the physical processes responsible for these cells'
evolution and maintenance, especially compared to those environments
meteorologists are familiar with in other non-tropical cyclone severe weather
convective situations.