A theory for vortex rossby‐waves and its application to spiral bands and intensity changes in hurricanes
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Authors
Montgomery, Michael T.
Kallenbach, Randall T.
Subjects
Hurricane dynamics||Shallow-water model||Spiral bands||Vortex Rossby-waves
Advisors
Date of Issue
1997
Date
Publisher
RMetS
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Abstract
In this paper we examine further the physics of vortex axisymmetrization, with the goal of elucidating the dynamics of outward‐propagating spiral bands in hurricanes. the basic shysics is illustrated most simply for stable vorticity monopoles on an f‐plane. Unlike the dynamics of sheared disturbances in rectilinear shear flow, axisymmetrizing disturbances on a vortex are accompanied by outward‐propagating vortex Rossby‐waves whose restoring mechanism is associated with the radial gradient of storm vorticity. Expressions for both phase and group velocities are derived and verified; they confirm earlier speculations on the existence of vortex Rossbywaves in hurricanes. Effects of radially propagating vortex Rossby‐waves on the mean vortex are also analysed. In conjunction with sustained injection of vorticity near the radius of maximum winds, these results reveal a new mechanism of vortex intensification. the basic theory is then applied to a hurricane‐like vortex in a shallow‐water asymmetric‐balance model. the wave mechanics developed here shows promise in elucidating basic mechanisms of hurricane evolution and structure changes, such as the formation of secondary eye‐walls. Radar observations possessing adequate temporal resolution are consistent with the predictions of this work, though more refined observations are needed to quantify further the impact of mesoscale banded disturbances on the evolution of the hurricane vortex.
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Article
Description
The article of record may be found at https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.49712353810
Includes pp. 435-465, complete
Includes pp. 435-465, complete
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Citation
Montgomery, Michael T., and Randall J. Kallenbach. "A theory for vortex Rossby‐waves and its application to spiral bands and intensity changes in hurricanes." Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society 123.538 (1997): 435-465.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.