The Properties of Convective Clouds over the Western Pacific and Their Relationship to the Environment of Tropical Cyclones

Using data obtained from the western Pacific region during “Tropical Cyclone Structure 2008” (TCS08), ONR’s field program, this study proposes to investigate large-scale environmental conditions, mesoscale phenomena, and small-scale convective bursts, as well as their interactions that are responsible for TC formation and intensity changes. Specific objectives include 1) characterizing the intensity of convection over the western Pacific using radar, aircraft, and satellite data; 2) deriving an accurate mesoscale environment of convective systems through the assimilation of satellite, radar, lidar, and in-situ data; 3) evaluating the quality of the global forecast system (e.g., Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System, or NOGAPS) for accurate TC analyses and forecasts; and 4) understanding the environmental factors that determine tropical cyclone formation and rapid intensification.