A Multiscale Numerical Study of Hurricane Andrew (1992). Part VI: Small-Scale Inner-Core Structures and Wind Streaks

Abstract

The objectives of Part VI of this series of papers are to (a) simulate the finescale features of Hurricane Andrew (1992) using a cloud-resolving grid length of 2 km, (b) diagnose the formation of small-scale wind streaks, and (c) perform sensitivity experiments of varying surface fluxes on changes in storm inner-core structures and intensity. As compared to observations and a previous 6-km model run, the results show that a higher-resolution explicit simulation could produce significant improvements in the structures and evolution of the inner-core eyewall and spiral rainbands, and in the organization of convection. The eyewall becomes much more compact and symmetric with its width decreased by half, and the radius of maximum wind is reduced by ?10 to 20 km. A zone of deep and intense potential vorticity (PV) is formed at the edge of the eye. A ring of maximum PV is collocated in regions of maximum upward motion in the eyewall and interacts strongly with the eyewall convection. The convective cores in the eyewall are associated with small-scale wind streaks. The formation of the wind streaks is diagnosed from an azimuthal momentum budget. The results reveal small-scale Lagrangian acceleration of the azimuthal flow. It is found that at the lowest model level of 40 m, the main contributor to the Lagrangian azimuthal wind tendency is the radial advection of angular momentum per unit radius. At an altitude of 1.24 km, vertical advection of the azimuthal wind, in addition to the radial advection of angular momentum per unit radius, plays important roles. Results of a series of sensitivity tests, performed to examine the impact of several critical factors in the surface and boundary layer processes on the inner-core structures and the evolution of the hurricane intensity, are presented.