A height-resolving model of tropical cyclone pressure field

• Published in: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics Vol. 186; pp. 84 - 93
• Main Authors: He, Y.C., Li, Y.Z., Chan, P.W., Fu, J.Y., Wu, J.R., Li, Q.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2019
• Subjects: Height-resolving model; Pressure field; TC modeling; Tropical cyclone; Troposphere; TC modeling; Height-resolving model; Pressure field; Tropical cyclone; Troposphere
• ISSN: 0167-6105; 1872-8197
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2018.12.020

This paper presents an observational study on the pressure fields of tropical cyclones (TCs) at a coastal meteorological station in Hong Kong, based on 17 years’ measurements from sounding balloons whose detection range covered the whole tropospheric depth. Both case studies and composite analyses are conducted to explore the vertical distributions of pressure deficit and other meteorological elements during TC dominated periods. The observational results show that the pressure deficit below the TC outflow layer decreases with altitude linearly, with the slope increasing consistently with the increase of surface pressure deficit. Based on the observations and analyzed results, a height-resolving model of the TC pressure field is established. The proposed model is then utilized to improve an existing TC wind field model. It is demonstrated that the improved TC wind field model is able to reproduce the low-level jet of TC wind profiles whose height varies with storm-relative positions.
•This paper presents an observational study on the height-resolving pressure field of tropical cyclones (TCs).•17 years’ measurements from sounding balloons whose detection range covers the whole tropospheric depth are analyzed.•Both case study and composite analysis are conducted for the vertical distribution of varied weather elements of TCs.•A data-driven model is established for the height-resolving structure of TC pressure field.•The proposed model is utilized to refine an existing TC wind field model.