A PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EYE OF A HURRICANE

Abstract

An attempt is made to explain the process of the development and growth of the eye of a hurricane from the small immature stage to the large mature stage. The assumption is made that a hurricane starts as a simple vortex in the hydrodynamical sense. It is then shown that this, if it persists, leads to the development of the immature hurricane which is characterized by a narrow, warm and clear eye, and by strong winds and intense pressure gradient bordering the eye. It is then shown that the immature stage is not hydrodynamically stable. It develops hydraulic jumps at its most intense region, which jumps are sufficient to destroy its energy and transform it to the mature stage. This last stage is characterized by a wide eye, which may not be warm or clear, and by weaker winds and less intense pressure gradient. A numerical example is considered, to illustrate the importance of the role of the jumps.