Ensemble Forecasting of Tropical Cyclone Motion Using a Baroclinic Model

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of two different ensemble forecasting (EF) techniques–the lagged-averaged forecast (LAF) and the breeding of growing modes (BGM). In the BGM experiments, the vortex and the environment are perturbed separately (named BGMV and BGME). Tropical cyclone (TC) motions in two difficult situations are studied: a large vortex interacting with its environment, and an apparent binary interaction. The former is Typhoon Yancy and the latter involves Typhoon Ed and super Typhoon Flo, all occurring during the Tropical Cyclone Motion Experiment TCM- 90. The model used is the baroclinic model of the University of New South Wales. The lateral boundary tendencies are computed from atmospheric analysis data. Only the relative skill of the ensemble forecast mean over the control run is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the EF methods, although the EF technique is also used to quantify forecast uncertainty in some studies. In the case of Yancy, the ensemble mean forecasts of each of the three methodologies are better than that of the control, with LAF being the best. The mean track of the LAF is close to the best track, and it predicts landfall over Taiwan. The improvements in LAF and the full BGM where both the environment and vortex are perturbed suggest the importance of combining the perturbation of the vortex and environment when the interaction between the two is appreciable. In the binary interaction case of Ed and Flo, the forecasts of Ed appear to be insensitive to perturbations of the environment and/or the vortex, which apparently results from erroneous forecasts by the model of the interaction between the subtropical ridge and Ed, as well as from the interaction between the two typhoons, thus reducing the effectiveness of the EF technique. This conclusion is reached through sensitivity experiments on the domain of the model and by adding or eliminating certain features in the model atmosphere. Nevertheless, the forecast tracks in some of the cases are improved over that of the control. On the other hand, the EF technique has little impact on the forecasts of Flo because the control forecast is already very close to the best track. The study provides a basis for the future development of the EF technique. The limitations of this study are also addressed. For example, the above results are based on a small sample, and the study is actually a simulation, which is different than operational forecasting. Further tests of these EF techniques are proposed.     

Autumn Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific during 1949–2016:A Statistical Study

We used tropical cyclone(TC) best track data for 1949–2016, provided by the Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration(CMA-STI), and a TC size dataset(1980–2016) derived from geostationary satellite infrared images to analyze the statistical characteristics of autumn TCs over the western North Pacific(WNP). We investigated TC genesis frequency, location, track density, intensity, outer size, and landfalling features, as well as their temporal and spatial evolution characteristics. On average, the number of autumn TCs accounted for 42.1% of the annual total, slightly less than that of summer TCs(42.7%). However, TCs classified as strong typhoons or super typhoons were more frequent in autumn than in summer. In most years of the 68-yr study period, there was an inverse relationship between the number of autumn TCs and that of summer TCs. The genesis of autumn TCs was concentrated at three centers over the WNP: the first is located near(14°N, 115°E) over the northeastern South China Sea and the other two are located in the vast oceanic area east of the Philippines around(14°N, 135°E) and(14°N,145°E), respectively. In terms of intensity, the eight strongest TCs during the study period all occurred in autumn. It is revealed that autumn TCs were featured with strong typhoons and super typhoons, with the latter accounting for28.1% of the total number of autumn TCs. Statistically, the average 34-knot radius(R34) of autumn TCs increased with TC intensity. From 1949 to 2016, 164 autumn TCs made landfall in China, with an average annual number of2.4. Autumn TCs were most likely to make landfall in Guangdong Province, followed by Hainan Province and Taiwan Island.     

Decadal Variations of Intense Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific during 1948–2010简

Using Joint Warning Typhoon Center （JTWC） best track data during the period 1948-2010, decadal and interdecadal changes of annual category 4 and 5 tropical cyclone （TC） frequency in the western North Pacific basin were examined. By allowing all of the observed TCs in the JTWC dataset to move along the observed TC tracks in a TC intensity model, the annual category 4 and 5 TC frequency was simulated. The results agreed well with observations when the TC intensity prior to 1973 was adjusted based on time-dependent biases due to changes in measurement and reporting practices. The simulated and adjusted time series showed significant decadal （12-18 years） variability, while the interdecadal （18-32 years） variability was found to be statistically insignificant. Numerical simulations indicated that changes in TC tracks are the most important factor for the decadal variability in the category 4 and 5 TC frequency in the western North Pacific basin, while a combined effect of changes in SST and vertical wind shear also contributes to the decadal variability. Further analysis suggested that the active phase of category 4 and 5 TCs is closely associated with an eastward shift in the TC formation locations, which allows more TCs to follow a longer journey, favoring the development of category 4 and 5 TCs. The active phase corresponds with the SST warming over the tropical central and eastern Pacific and the eastward extension of the monsoon trough, thus leading to the eastward shift in TC formation locations.     

A Numerical Simulation Study of Typhoon Rananim（0414）

Using the high-resolution non-hydrostatic model ARPS (Advanced Regional Prediction System),the Typhoon Rananim (0414) was simulated by using the CINRAD Doppler radar data.The results before and after typhoon landfall show that model ARPS performs well to simulate the track,the variation of center pressure,as well as severe heavy rain of Rananim.Meanwhile,the simulated composite reflectivity was compared with the observed radar composite reflectivity.The numerical results reveal that the asymmetrical structure of Rananim plays an important role in its westward deflecting after landfall.The sensitivity simulation experiments of terrain effects on Rananim (0414) were also investigated,and the terrain of the southeastern China has important effects on Rananim turning right slightly of its track and increasing its intensity obviously,but when typhoon is far away from the coastline,the terrain only impacts slightly on the storm intensity during its landfall.The results show that topographic lifting contributes greatly to precipitation enhancement,and makes the distribution of precipitation more uneven.     

Track of Super Typhoon Haiyan Predicted by a Typhoon Model for the South China Sea

Super Typhoon Haiyan was the most notable typhoon in 2013. In this study, results from the operational prediction of Haiyan by a tropical regional typhoon model for the South China Sea are analyzed. It is shown that the model has successfully reproduced Haiyan’s rapid passage through the Philippines and its northward deflection after its second landfall in Vietnam. However, the predicted intensity of Haiyan is weaker than the observed. An analysis of higher-resolution model simulations indicates that the storm is characterized by an upper-level warm core during its mature stage and a deep layer of easterly flow. Sensitivity experiments are conducted to study the impact of certain physical processes such as the interaction between stratus and cumulus clouds on the improvement of the typhoon intensity forecast. It is found that appropriate boundary layer and cumulus convective parameterizations, and orographic gravity-wave parameterization, as well as improved initial conditions and increased horizontal grid resolution, all help to improve the intensity forecast of Haiyan.     

SIMULATION OF TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND LANDFALLING IN CHINA BY REGCM4

This study evaluates the performance of the regional climate model RegCM4 in simulating tropical cyclone (TC) activities over the Western North Pacific (WNP) and their landfalling in China. The model is driven by ERA-Interim boundary conditions at a grid spacing of 25 km, with the simulation period as 1991–2010. Results show that RegCM4 performs well in capturing the main structural features of observed TCs, and in simulating the genesis number and annual cycle of the genesis. The model reproduces the general pattern of the observed TC tracks and occurrence frequency. However, significant underestimation of the occurrence frequency as well as the TC intensity is found. Number of the landfalling TCs over China is also much less than the observed. Bias of the model in reproducing the large-scale circulation pattern and steering flow may contribute to the underestimated landfalling TC numbers.     

A Modeling Study of Land Surface Process Impacts on Inland Behavior of Typhoon Rananim (2004)

On 12 August 2004,Typhoon Rananim(0414) moved inland over China and stagnated over the Poyang Lake area,resulting in torrential rainfall and severe geologic hazards.The Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting(ARW-WRF) model and its different land surface models(LSMs) were employed to study the impacts of land surface process on the inland behavior of Typhoon Rananim.Results show that simulations,coupled with LSMs or not,have no significant differences in predicting typhoon track,intensity,and largescale circulation.However,the simulations of mesoscale structure,rainfall rate,and rainfall distribution of typhoon are more reasonable with LSMs than without LSMs.Although differences are slight among LSMs,NOAH is better than the others.Based on outputs using the NOAH scheme,the interaction between land surface and typhoon was explored in this study.Notably,typhoon rainfall and cloud cover can cool land surface,but rainfall expands the underlying saturated wetland area,which exacerbates the asymmetric distribution of surface heat fluxes.Accordingly,an energy frontal zone may form in the lower troposphere that enhances ascending motion and local convection,resulting in heavier rainfall.Moreover,the expanded underlying saturated wetlands provide plentiful moisture and unstable energy for the maintenance of Typhoon Rananim and increased rainfall in return.     

Sensitivity Study of the South China Sea Summer Monsoon in 1998 to Different Cumulus Parameterization Schemes

In this study, the improved high-resolution regional climate model of the China National Climate Center （RegCM_NCC） is used to examine the sensitivity of the simulated circulation and rainfall during the South China Sea summer monsoon （SCSSM） period during 1998 in an effort to compare to other cumulus param- eterization schemes. The investigation has indicated that the model is capable of simulating the seasonal march of the SCSSM and that the results were very sensitive to the choice of cumulus parameterization schemes. It seems that the Kuo cumulus parameterization scheme simulates the process of the SCSSM onset reasonably well, which can reproduce the onset timing and dramatic changes before and after the onset, especially the upper- and lower-level wind-fields. However, there are still some discrepancies between the simulations and observations. For example, the model can not completely simulate the intensity of the rainfall or the location of the western Pacific subtropical high as well as the feature of the rapid northward propagation of seasonal rain belt.     

NUMERICAL SIMULATION STUDY ON THE RAPID INTENSIFICATION OF TYPHOON HAIKUI (1211) OFF THE SHORE OF CHINA

Forecasting the rapid intensification of tropical cyclones over offshore areas remains difficult. In this article, the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model was used to study the rapid intensification of Typhoon Haikui (1211) off the shore of China. After successful simulation of the intensity change and track of the typhoon, the model output was further analyzed to determine the mechanism of the rapid change in intensity. The results indicated that a remarkable increase in low-level moisture transportation toward the inner core, favorable large-scale background field with low-level convergence, and high-level divergence played key roles in the rapid intensification of Typhoon Haikui in which high-level divergence could be used as an indicator for the rapid intensity change of Typhoon Haikui approximately 6 h in advance. An analysis of the typhoon structure revealed that Typhoon Haikui was structurally symmetric during the rapid intensification and the range of the eyewall was small in the low level but extended outward in the high level. In addition, the vertically ascending motion, the radial and tangential along wind speeds increased with increasing typhoon intensity, especially during the process of rapid intensification. Furthermore, the intensity of the warm core of the typhoon increased during the intensification process with the warm core extending outward and toward the lower layer. All of the above structural changes contributed to the maintenance and development of typhoon intensity.     

COMPARISON OF SOME TROPICAL CYCLONE DATASETS AND CORRECTION OF YEARBOOK DATA

This is a study to compare three selected tropical cyclone datasets separately compiled by CMA Shanghai Typhoon Institute (CMA_SHI), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The annual frequencies, observation times and destructive power index as the characteristic quantities are investigated of the tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific. The comparative study has resulted in the following findings: 1) Statistical gaps between the datasets compared are narrowing down as the intensity of tropical cyclones increases. 2) In the context of interdecadal distribution, there is for the 1950s a relatively large gap between the datasets, as compared with a narrowed gap for the period from the mid 1970s to the 1980s, and a recurring widened gap for the mid and late 1990s. Additionally, an approach is proposed in the paper to correct the wind speed data in the TC Yearbook.     

台风“鲇鱼”(1013)路径突变过程的成因分析

利用NCEP提供的GFS(Global Forecast System)再分析资料,对2010年西北太平洋最强台风“鲇鱼”(1013)路径突变的成因开展诊断分析,研究其影响系统、引导气流的演变特征等,并运用CPS(Cyclone Phase Space)方法对其生命史中的热力结构演变过程进行定量描述,重点分析路径突变前后各因子的变化。结果表明,“鲇鱼”移入南海后,冷空气南侵导致其热力结构发生变化,台风环流右侧较暖,此时引导气流微弱,“趋暖”运动占主导,首先引起路径向右偏转,随后引导气流转为西南气流并逐渐增强,在二者共同作用下,“鲇鱼”路径持续右转,逐渐向东北方向移动,完成路径突变。     

西北太平洋热带气旋路径的历史模拟

基于IBTrACS提供的热带气旋最佳路径数据集,在统计分析历史热带气旋的发生年频次、发生位置、路径移动及强度变化等的基础上,建立了西北太平洋热带气旋轨迹合成模型。模型包括生成模型、移动模型、消亡模型及强度模型4个部分,并从地理轨迹密度、年登陆率、登陆风速分布三个方面,对模拟的气旋路径与历史气旋路径进行比较,以验证模型的准确性和可靠性。结果表明,构建的西北太平洋热带气旋全路径统计模拟模型稳健可靠,可进一步应用于研究区热带气旋的定量精细化的风险评估,能提高气旋风险灾害评估的可信度。     

Autumn Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific during 1949-2016: A Statistical Study

We used tropical cyclone (TC) best track data for 1949–2016, provided by the Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration (CMA-STI), and a TC size dataset (1980-2016) derived from geostationary satellite infrared images to analyze the statistical characteristics of autumn TCs over the western North Pacific (WNP). We investigated TC genesis frequency, location, track density, intensity, outer size, and landfalling features, as well as their temporal and spatial evolution characteristics. On average, the number of autumn TCs accounted for 42.1% of the annual total, slightly less than that of summer TCs (42.7%). However, TCs classified as strong typhoons or super typhoons were more frequent in autumn than in summer. In most years of the 68-yr study period, there was an inverse relationship between the number of autumn TCs and that of summer TCs. The genesis of autumn TCs was concentrated at three centers over the WNP: the first is located near (14°N, 115°E) over the northeastern South China Sea and the other two are located in the vast oceanic area east of the Philippines around (14°N, 135°E) and (14°N, 145°E), respectively. In terms of intensity, the eight strongest TCs during the study period all occurred in autumn. It is revealed that autumn TCs were featured with strong typhoons and super typhoons, with the latter accounting for 28.1% of the total number of autumn TCs. Statistically, the average 34-knot radius (R34) of autumn TCs increased with TC intensity. From 1949 to 2016, 164 autumn TCs made landfall in China, with an average annual number of 2.4. Autumn TCs were most likely to make landfall in Guangdong Province, followed by Hainan Province and Taiwan Island.

     

2006年超级台风“桑美”强度与结构变化的数值模拟研究

使用一个高分辨率、非静力数值模式WRF模式对2006年超级台风Saomei强度和结构进行了数值模拟研究.首先,评估了Makin的粗糙度长度公式对台风Saomei强度和结构变化的影响,结果表明,采用新参数后,使得模拟的台风强度变化与实况最佳路径资料的强度变化更一致,对超级台风Saomei强度预报有改进;但对台风路径的影响不大.通过QuikSCAT、雷达和TRMM非常规资料的验证,进一步表明模拟的台风Saomei的结构与实况很接近,可以再现台风内核区域的部分"双眼墙"和"Annular"结构.其次,通过对台风Saomei边界层过程模拟的改进,表明在平均风速大于40 m/s时边界层各物理量明显改善,使得模式最大强度比传统的简单外推插值方案有显著改进,特别是在台风最强阶段,当台风Saomei眼墙区域的海表面拖曳系数C_d的相对变小,使得其眼墙区域的平均切向风速、径向风速、垂直风速、温度距平、涡旋动能和绝对角动量等物理量均有增强.表明台风Saomei眼墙氏域(20-40 km)各物理量的贡献对其强度和结构变化的影响十分重要.最后,在此基础上进一步分析模式海温和大尺度环境垂直风切变对台风Saomei强度和结构变化的可能影响,讨论了台风Saomei在其增强和消弱阶段中,大尺度环境垂直风切变对其强度变化的负反馈作用.     

Impact of initial storm intensity and size on the simulation of tropical cyclone track and western Pacific subtropical high extent

Typhoon Megi, the 13th typhoon of the 2010 typhoon season, was selected for case study by utilizing the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Twelve sensitivity experiments with various initial tropical cyclone (TC) intensities and sizes were conducted to investigate their impacts on the simulation of typhoon track. Interaction between TC and the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) was also analyzed to explore the mechanism for the impact on TC track of the initial TC intensity and size. Numerical results indicate that the simulated TC size and TC track are sensitive to initial TC intensity and size. Stronger initial TC intensity and larger initial TC size often lead to larger simulated TC size and make TC turn northward earlier. Further analysis suggests that, with the increase of initial TC intensity and size, more air mass enters into the TC region, which subsequently reduces the extent of WPSH. As a result, the steering flow changes significantly and eventually causes the TC to turn northward earlier. The present study confirms that the initial TC intensity and size have certain influences on the TC track simulation, which demonstrates the importance of accurate initial condition for successful simulation of the TC intensity and TC track. Moreover, it also deepens our understanding of the interaction between TC and WPSH, provides helpful clues for the TC track change study, and discusses the future directions for improvement of TC track forecast.     

台风“珍珠”(2006)螺旋雨带发展机制的数值模拟研究

基于2 km分辨率的ARW-WRF数值模拟资料,讨论了台风"珍珠"(2006)螺旋雨带中对流单体及内雨带的发展机制。结果表明:模式很好地再现了台风的路径和强度。作为雨带中仅仅存在于眼壁外侧的内雨带,其传播机制与重力波、涡旋Rossby波及混合波没有联系,其可能发展机制仅与低层出流、水平风场和变形场有关。低层出流使得内雨带径向向外运动,而低层的水平风场和变形场使其形成螺旋结构。同时,就螺旋雨带中精细对流单体的发展而言,涡度收支方程定量分析表明,其主要通过两种方式获得垂直涡度:水平涡度倾斜为垂直涡度;上升运动拉伸垂直涡度。随着平流输送,对流单体在眼壁附近合并和汇聚。     

谱逼近方法对台风Megi(2010)路径模拟的改进及影响分析

将谱逼近方法应用到台风Megi(2010)数值模拟试验中,通过选择不同物理量配置,分析得到影响台风Megi路径变化的关键环境场因子,并在此基础上分析关键因子不同高度范围和不同尺度信息对台风路径变化的影响。结果表明,采用谱逼近方法能够有效降低整个模拟时段,尤其是路径北折阶段台风路径模拟偏差,其中天气尺度环境风场是影响台风路径变化的关键因子。在过岛阶段,谱逼近850 hPa以上的中低层环境风场造成模拟路径偏差增大,但是改善了台风路径北折阶段的路径模拟结果;此外500~1 000 km尺度的中尺度环境风场对Megi转折以及转折后的移速移向具有重要影响,也减小了过岛阶段路径偏差的增长程度。通过分析各试验对主要天气系统、引导气流以及台风内部结构的模拟结果表明,谱逼近环境风场能够改善模式对中低纬环流系统的模拟,有利于更为准确地得到路径转折阶段的引导气流;同时谱逼近环境风场后会影响台风内部结构,对台风路径模拟的移速移向造成影响。      

西北太平洋台风同心眼墙影响因子的初步分析

利用美国威斯康星大学气象卫星研究合作院提供的集成微波图像资料和联合台风预警中心的最佳路径资料,普查2005—2014年西北太平洋地区具有同心眼墙结构的35个强台风个例。对比分析了有、无同心眼墙及同心眼墙生成快、慢的样本的环境场和自身初始结构差异。结果表明:环境场要素对同心眼墙形成与否具有重要调制作用,环境场相对湿度越大,海温越高,同心眼墙越易生成;而同心眼墙的形成速率与自身结构存在密切关系,初始涡旋尺度越大,同心眼墙生成越快,外眼墙位置距离台风中心越远,眼墙替换时间越长,眼墙替换前后强度变化越明显。