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Effects of Sea Spray on the Dynamics and Microphysics of an Idealized Tropical Cyclone

Journal Article · · Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Institute of Earth Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

The effect of sea spray particles (SSP) on the intensity and microphysical structure of an idealized tropical cyclone (TC) is investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with a new spectral bin microphysics package. The SSP size distribution in the hurricane boundary layer is calculated using a Lagrangian–Eulerian bin-microphysics model (LEM) with high spatial resolution and extremely high drop size resolution. Sea spray ascending in updrafts within the eyewall of a TC dramatically increases the concentration of cloud drops within a wide range of sizes and decreases the effective drop radius to the values typical of polluted continental clouds. At the same time, the presence of spray drops of a few hundred microns in radii trigger intense rain just above cloud base. As a result, sea spray creates clouds that have a unique combination of maritime and continental properties. Outside the eyewall, clouds remain extremely maritime. SSP are shown to increase substantially the maximum vertical velocity, the cloud water content, and the mass contents of ice particles within the eyewall. As a result, SSP lead to TC intensification, axis symmetrization, and a decrease in eyewall radius. We found a new mechanism where wind-generated sea spray particles invigorate the inner cloud bands by nucleating more cloud droplets, which leads to more water vapor condensation and greater latent heating. The dependence of this process on surface wind speed constitutes a positive feedback loop that can lead to higher hurricane intensity. The results of simulations of cloud microstructure in the hurricane eyewall are supported by observations.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Israel Science Foundation; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0014295
OSTI ID:
1532813
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1612137
Journal Information:
Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, Journal Name: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 76; ISSN 0022-4928
Publisher:
American Meteorological SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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