Work

Dynamics of Extreme Surface Winds Inside North Atlantic Midlatitude Cyclones

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: North Atlantic midlatitude cyclones are among the most severe weather systems, causing enormous economic damages and threatening human lives. The cyclone is typically characterized by cyclonic convergent surface winds, strong updrafts, and precipitation. However, extreme surface winds are often observed within the cyclone where downdrafts develop. The present study investigates the dynamical and thermodynamical characteristics of the horizontal winds impinging on the cold frontal surface and the associated downdrafts. It is shown that the cyclonic winds into the cold frontal surface are mainly responsible for the downdrafts that transport the high‐altitude horizontal momentum to the surface and cause intense surface winds. About half of the North Atlantic midlatitude cyclones are accompanied by the downdrafts especially in the southern and western parts of the cyclone center.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2024gl110330

Authors: Jun‐Hyeok Son, Christian L. E. Franzke, Seok‐Woo Son

Institutions: Institute for Basic Science, IBS Center for Climate Physics, Pusan National University, Seoul National University

Language: English

Topic: Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,900