Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

The Governing Dynamics of the Secondary Eyewall Formation of Typhoon Sinlaku (2008)

Y. Qiang Sun Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China, and Department of Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

Search for other papers by Y. Qiang Sun in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Yuxin Jiang Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Yuxin Jiang in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Benkui Tan Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Benkui Tan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Fuqing Zhang Department of Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

Search for other papers by Fuqing Zhang in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Print Publication:
01 Dec 2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS-D-13-044.1
Page(s):
3818–3837
Restricted access

We are aware of a technical issue preventing figures and tables from showing in some newly published articles in the full-text HTML view.
While we are resolving the problem, please use the online PDF version of these articles to view figures and tables.

Abstract

Through successful convection-permitting simulations of Typhoon Sinlaku (2008) using a high-resolution nonhydrostatic model, this study examines the role of peripheral convection in the storm's secondary eyewall formation (SEF) and its eyewall replacement cycle (ERC). The study demonstrates that before SEF the simulated storm intensifies via an expansion of the tangential winds and an increase in the boundary layer inflow, which are accompanied by peripheral convective cells outside the primary eyewall. These convective cells, which initially formed in the outer rainbands under favorable environmental conditions and move in an inward spiral, play a crucial role in the formation of the secondary eyewall. It is hypothesized that SEF and ERC ultimately arise from the convective heating released from the inward-moving rainbands, the balanced response in the transverse circulation, and the unbalanced dynamics in the atmospheric boundary layer, along with the positive feedback between these processes.

Corresponding author address: Prof. Benkui Tan, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Peking University, Yiheyuan Road 5, Zhongguancun, Haidian, Beijing 100871, China. E-mail: bktan@pku.edu.cn

Abstract

Through successful convection-permitting simulations of Typhoon Sinlaku (2008) using a high-resolution nonhydrostatic model, this study examines the role of peripheral convection in the storm's secondary eyewall formation (SEF) and its eyewall replacement cycle (ERC). The study demonstrates that before SEF the simulated storm intensifies via an expansion of the tangential winds and an increase in the boundary layer inflow, which are accompanied by peripheral convective cells outside the primary eyewall. These convective cells, which initially formed in the outer rainbands under favorable environmental conditions and move in an inward spiral, play a crucial role in the formation of the secondary eyewall. It is hypothesized that SEF and ERC ultimately arise from the convective heating released from the inward-moving rainbands, the balanced response in the transverse circulation, and the unbalanced dynamics in the atmospheric boundary layer, along with the positive feedback between these processes.

Corresponding author address: Prof. Benkui Tan, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Peking University, Yiheyuan Road 5, Zhongguancun, Haidian, Beijing 100871, China. E-mail: bktan@pku.edu.cn
Save
Cover Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences

  • Abarca, S. F., and K. L. Corbosiero, 2011: Secondary eyewall formation in WRF simulations of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina (2005). Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L07802, doi:10.1029/2011GL047015.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bell, M. M., M. T. Montgomery, and W.-C. Lee, 2012: An axisymmetric view of concentric eyewall evolution in Hurricane Rita (2005). J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 2414–2432.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bui, H. H., R. K. Smith, M. T. Montgomery, and J. Peng, 2009: Balanced and unbalanced aspect of tropical cyclone intensification. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 135, 1715–1731.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chen, Y., and M. K. Yau, 2001: Spiral bands in a simulated hurricane. Part I: Vortex Rossby wave verification. J. Atmos. Sci., 58, 2128–2145.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Didlake, A. C., Jr., and R. A. Houze Jr., 2011: Kinematics of the secondary eyewall observed in Hurricane Rita (2005). J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 1620–1636.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Didlake, A. C., Jr., and R. A. Houze Jr., 2013: Convective-scale variations in the inner-core rainbands of a tropical cyclone. J. Atmos. Sci., 70, 504–523.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dritschel, D. G., and D. W. Waugh, 1992: Quantification of the inelastic interaction of unequal vortices in two two-dimensional vortex dynamics. Phys. Fluids, 4A, 1737–1774.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Eliassen, A., 1951: Slow thermally or frictionally controlled meridional circulation in a circular vortex. Astrophys. Norv., 5, 19–60.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Elsberry, R. L., and P. A. Harr, 2008: Tropical cyclone structure (TCS08) field experiment science basis, observational platforms, and strategy. Asia-Pac. J. Atmos. Sci., 44, 209–231.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Emanuel, K., C. DesAutels, C. Holloway, and R. Korty, 2004: Environmental control of tropical cyclone intensity. J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 843–858.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Enagonio, J., and M. T. Montgomery, 2001: Tropical cyclogenesis via convectively forced vortex Rossby waves in shallow water primitive equation model. J. Atmos. Sci., 58, 685–706.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fang, J., and F. Zhang, 2010: Initial development and genesis of Hurricane Dolly (2008). J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 655–672.

  • Fang, J., and F. Zhang, 2011: Evolution of multiscale vortices in the development of Hurricane Dolly (2008). J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 103–122.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fang, J., and F. Zhang, 2012: Effect of beta shear on simulated tropical cyclones. Mon. Wea. Rev., 140, 3327–3346.

  • Fudeyasu, H., and Y. Wang, 2011: Balanced contribution to the intensification of a tropical cyclone simulated in TCM4: Outer-core spinup process. J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 430–449.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hawkins, J. D., M. Helveston, T. F. Lee, F. J. Turk, K. Richardson, C. Sampson, J. Kent, and R. Wade, 2006: Tropical cyclone multiple eyewall characteristics. Preprints, 27th Conf. on Hurricane and Tropical Meteorology, Monterey, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 6B.1. [Available online at http://ams.confex.com/ams/27Hurricanes/techprogram/paper_108864.htm.]

  • Hill, K. A., and G. M. Lackmann, 2009: Influence of environmental humidity on tropical cyclone size. Mon. Wea. Rev., 137, 3294–3315.

  • Hong, S.-Y., J. Dudhia, and S.-H. Chen, 2004: A revised approach to ice microphysical processes for the parameterization of clouds and precipitation. Mon. Wea. Rev., 132, 103–120.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hong, S.-Y., Y. Noh, and J. Dudhia, 2006: A new vertical diffusion package with an explicit treatment of entrainment processes. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 2318–2341.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Houze, R. A., Jr., S. S. Chen, B. F. Smull, W.-C. Lee, and M. M. Bell, 2007: Hurricane intensity and eyewall replacement. Science, 315, 1235–1239.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Huang, Y.-H., M. T. Montgomery, and C.-C. Wu, 2012: Concentric eyewall formation in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008). Part II: Axisymmetric dynamical processes. J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 662–674.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Judt, F., and S. S. Chen, 2010: Convectively generated vorticity in rainbands and formation of the secondary eyewall in Hurricane Rita of 2005. J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 3581–3599.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Judt, F., and S. S. Chen, 2013: Reply to “Comments on ‘Convectively generated potential vorticity in rainbands and formation of the secondary eyewall in Hurricane Rita of 2005.'” J. Atmos. Sci., 70, 989–992.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kessler, E., 1969: On the Distribution and Continuity of Water Substance in Atmospheric Circulation. Meteor. Monogr., No. 32, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 84 pp.

  • Kuo, H.-C., L.-Y. Lin, C.-P. Chang, and R. T. Williams, 2004: The formation of concentric vorticity structures in typhoons. J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 2722–2734.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kuo, H.-C., W. H. Schubert, C.-L. Tsai, and Y.-F. Kuo, 2008: Vortex interactions and barotropic aspects of concentric eyewall formation. Mon. Wea. Rev., 136, 5183–5198.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kuo, H.-C., C.-P. Chang, Y.-T. Yang, and H.-J. Jiang, 2009: Western North Pacific typhoons with concentric eyewalls. Mon. Wea. Rev.,137, 3758–3770.

  • Martinez, Y., G. Brunet, M. K. Yau, and X. Wang, 2011: On the dynamics of concentric eyewall genesis: Space–time empirical normal modes diagnosis. J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 457–476.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Menelaou, K., M. K. Yau, and Y. Martinez, 2012: On the dynamics of the secondary eyewall genesis in Hurricane Wilma (2005). Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L04801, doi:10.1029/2011GL050699.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Meng, Z., and F. Zhang, 2008a: Tests of an ensemble Kalman filter for mesoscale and regional-scale data assimilation. Part III: Comparison with 3DVAR in a real-data case study. Mon. Wea. Rev., 136, 522–540.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Meng, Z., and F. Zhang, 2008b: Tests of an ensemble Kalman filter for mesoscale and regional-scale data assimilation. Part IV: Comparison with 3DVAR in a month-long experiment. Mon. Wea. Rev., 136, 3671–3682.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Montgomery, M. T., and R. J. Kallenbach, 1997: A theory for vortex Rossby-waves and its application to spiral bands and intensity changes in hurricanes. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 123, 435–465.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Montgomery, M. T., M. E. Nicholls, T. A. Cram, and A. B. Saunders, 2006: A vertical hot tower route to tropical cyclogenesis. J. Atmos. Sci., 63, 355–386.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Moon, Y., and D. S. Nolan, 2010: The dynamic response of the hurricane wind field to spiral rainband heating. J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 1779–1805.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Moon, Y., D. S. Nolan, and M. Iskandarani, 2010: On the use of two-dimensional flow to study secondary eyewall formation in tropical cyclones. J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 3765–3773.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Qiu, X., and Z.-M. Tan, 2013: The roles of asymmetric inflow forcing induced by outer rainbands in tropical cyclone secondary eyewall formation. J. Atmos. Sci., 70, 953–974.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Qiu, X., Z.-M. Tan, and Q. Xiao, 2010: The role of vortex Rossby waves in hurricane secondary eyewall formation. Mon. Wea. Rev., 138, 2092–2109.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rozoff, C. M., W. H. Schubert, B. D. McNoldy, and J. P. Kossin, 2006: Rapid filamentation zones in intense tropical cyclones. J. Atmos. Sci., 63, 325–340.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rozoff, C. M., D. S. Nolan, J. P. Kossin, F. Zhang, and J. Fang, 2012: The roles of an expanding wind field and inertial stability in tropical cyclone secondary eyewall formation. J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 2621–2643.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Shapiro, L. J., and H. E. Willoughby, 1982: The response of balanced hurricanes to local sources of heat and momentum. J. Atmos. Sci., 39, 378–394.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sitkowski, M., J. Kossin, and C. M. Rozoff, 2011: Intensity and structure changes during hurricane eyewall replacement cycles. Mon. Wea. Rev., 139, 3829–3847.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Skamarock, W. C., and Coauthors, 2008: A description of the Advanced Research WRF version 3. NCAR Tech. Note NCAR/TN-475+STR, 113 pp. [Available online at http://www.mmm.ucar.edu/wrf/users/docs/arw_v3.pdf.]

  • Smith, R. K., M. T. Montgomery, and N. V. Sang, 2009: Tropical cyclone spin-up revisited. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 135, 1321–1335.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Terwey, W. D., and M. T. Montgomery, 2008: Secondary eyewall formation in two idealized, full-physics modeled hurricanes. J. Geophys. Res., 113, D12112, doi:10.1029/2007JD008897.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Terwey, W. D., S. F. Abarca, and M. T. Montgomery, 2013: Comments on “Convectively generated potential vorticity in rainbands and formation of the secondary eyewall in Hurricane Rita of 2005.” J. Atmos. Sci., 70, 984–988.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wang, X., Y.-M. Ma, and N. E. Davidson, 2013: Secondary eyewall formation and eyewall replacement cycles in a simulated hurricane: Effect of the net radial force in the hurricane boundary layer. J. Atmos. Sci.,70, 1317–1341.

  • Wang, Y., 2002a: Vortex Rossby waves in a numerically simulated tropic cyclone. Part I: Overall structure, potential vorticity, and kinetic energy budgets. J. Atmos. Sci., 59, 1213–1238.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wang, Y., 2002b: Vortex Rossby waves in a numerically simulated tropic cyclone. Part II: The role in tropic cyclone structure and intensity changes. J. Atmos. Sci., 59, 1239–1262.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wang, Y., 2009: How do outer spiral rainbands affect tropical cyclone structure and intensity? J. Atmos. Sci., 66, 1250–1273.

  • Wang, Y., and C.-C. Wu, 2004: Current understanding of tropical cyclone structure and intensity changes—A review. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 87, 257–278.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Willoughby, H. E., J. A. Clos, and M. G. Shoreibah, 1982: Concentric eye walls, secondary wind maxima, and the evolution of the hurricane vortex. J. Atmos. Sci., 39, 395–411.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wu, C.-C., H.-J. Cheng, Y. Wang, and K.-H. Chou, 2009: A numerical investigation of the eyewall evolution of a landfalling typhoon. Mon. Wea. Rev., 137, 21–40.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wu, C.-C., G.-Y. Lien, J.-H. Chen, and F. Zhang, 2010: Assimilation of tropical cyclone track and structure based on the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 3806–3822.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wu, C.-C., Y.-H. Huang, and G.-Y. Lien, 2012: Concentric eyewall formation in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008). Part I: Assimilation of T-PARC data based on the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). Mon. Wea. Rev., 140, 506–527.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Xu, J., and Y. Wang, 2010a: Sensitivity of tropical cyclone inner core size and intensity to the radial distribution of surface entropy flux. J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 1831–1852.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Xu, J., and Y. Wang, 2010b: Sensitivity of the simulated tropical cyclone inner-core size to the initial vortex size. Mon. Wea. Rev., 138, 4135–4157.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Zhou, X., and B. Wang, 2011: Mechanism of concentric eyewall replacement cycles and associated intensity change. J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 972–988.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 1332 855 218
PDF Downloads 356 109 8