The Cyclone Game: Simulation of a Tropical-Cyclone Warning Center

• Published in: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society Vol. 66; no. 12; pp. 1521 - 1524
• Main Authors: Holland, Greg J., Berzins, I. A., Merrill, Robert T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston, MA American Meteorological Society 01-12-1985
• Subjects: Analytical forecasting; Brackish; Cyclones; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; focus on forecasting; Freshwater; Marine; Meteorology; Simulation training; Socioeconomics; Statistical forecasts; Storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms; Tropical regions; Warnings; Weather; Weather forecasting; Australia; Tropical cyclone; Digital simulation; Oceania
• ISSN: 0003-0007; 1520-0477
• DOI: 10.1175/1520-0477-66.12.1521

A brief description is given of the Cyclone Game, a direct simulation of many of the operational aspects of the Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre. The game's main purpose is to provide tropical-cyclone forecasters with additional operational experience and skills. It may also be used to familiarize others with some of the complexities of tropical-cyclone forecasting. The game is controlled by a microcomputer and may be played by one or a team of "forecasters." It has a modular structure and is designed for easy modification to suit local requirements. We suggest that microcomputer-based simulations of severe weather events, such as described in this paper, have considerable potential as an educational and training tool.