Satellite Observations of Variations in Tropical Cyclone Convection Caused by Upper-Tropospheric Troughs

Abstract

The mutual adjustment between upper-tropospheric troughs and the structure of western Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Florence (1988) and Irene (1981) are analyzed using satellite and in situ data. Satellite-observed tracers (e.g., cirrus clouds, water vapor, and ozone) art used to monitor the circulation within the tropical cyclones' environment. The tropical cyclones' convection is inferred from satellite flown passive microwave and infrared sensors. In addition, numerical model simulations are used to analyze and interpret these satellite observations. The study suggests that the initiation and maintenance of intense convective outbreaks in these tropical cyclones during their mature stage are related to the channeling and strengthening of their outflow by upper-tropospheric troughs. The convection can be enhanced in response to the outflow jet-induced import of eddy relative angular momentum and ascending motion associated with the thermally direct circulation. The channeling and strengthening of the outflow occurs when the upper-tropospheric troughs are located in a favorable position relative to the tropical cyclones. Both Florence and Irene intensify after the onset of these intense convective episodes. Satellite observations also suggest that the cessation in the convection of the two tropical cyclones occurs when the upper-tropospheric troughs move near or over the tropical cyclones, resulting in the weakening of their outflow and the entrainment of dry upper-tropospheric air into their inner core.