We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
African Easterly Wave Strength and Observed Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Genesis and Characteristics.
- Authors
Bercos‐Hickey, Emily; Patricola, Christina M.
- Abstract
African easterly waves (AEWs) are known precursors to Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs), and are therefore often directly connected to extreme weather events that can be both deadly and destructive. It is well established that not all AEWs develop into TCs, and there has been substantial research that has addressed the different characteristics and environments of developing and non‐developing waves. In this study, however, we specifically examine 41‐years of developing AEWs to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the developing wave and the environment, and the resulting TC. To conduct this research, we identified TCs with AEW origins from the observational record between 1980 and 2020. We then used an objective tracking algorithm to identify the developing AEWs in reanalysis data. We found a statistically significant relationship between the strength of the developing AEWs, TC genesis location and landfall, and sea surface temperature (SST) during TC genesis. Weaker AEWs tend to develop into TCs closer to the Americas in a region with warmer SSTs than those of the stronger AEWs, which tend to develop into TCs closer to Africa. Consequently, the TCs that develop from weaker AEWs are more likely to make landfall due to the close proximity of their genesis locations to the Americas. Plain Language Summary: African easterly waves (AEWs) are atmospheric disturbances that often develop into Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs). Although each year there are many AEWs, only a fraction of these waves develop into TCs. In this study, we examine only developing AEWs to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the developing AEW and the environment, and the resulting TC. To conduct this research, we identified TCs with AEW origins from the observational record between 1980 and 2020 and tracked the developing AEWs in reanalysis data. We found a statistically significant relationship between the strength of the developing AEWs, TC characteristics, and the sea surface temperature (SST). Weaker AEWs develop into TCs closer to the Americas with SSTs that are notably warmer than those of the stronger AEWs, which develop closer to Africa. Consequently, the TCs that develop from weaker AEWs are more likely to make landfall because they form closer to the Americas. Key Points: Tropical cyclogenesis occurs farther west for weaker developing African easterly waves (AEWs) than for stronger developing AEWsTropical cyclones (TCs) from weaker developing AEWs are more likely to make landfall due to their genesis proximity to the AmericasWeaker developing AEWs tend to develop into TCs over warmer sea surface temperatures than stronger developing AEWs
- Subjects
AFRICA; TROPICAL cyclones; CYCLOGENESIS; EXTREME weather; OCEAN temperature; LANDFALL; TRACKING algorithms; CYCLONES
- Publication
Journal of Geophysical Research. Atmospheres, 2024, Vol 129, Issue 10, p1
- ISSN
2169-897X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1029/2024JD040858