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Research Article
The role of baroclinic waves in the initiation of tropical cyclones across the southern Indian Ocean
Article first published online: 10 JAN 2012
DOI: 10.1002/asl.369
Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
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Additional Information
How to Cite
Payne, B. and Methven, J. (2012), The role of baroclinic waves in the initiation of tropical cyclones across the southern Indian Ocean. Atmosph. Sci. Lett., 13: 88–94. doi: 10.1002/asl.369
Publication History
- Issue published online: 12 APR 2012
- Article first published online: 10 JAN 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 4 NOV 2011
- Manuscript Revised: 28 OCT 2011
- Manuscript Received: 22 FEB 2011
- Abstract
- Article
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- Cited By
Keywords:
- tropical storm;
- Rossby wave;
- cyclogenesis
Abstract
Cases where tropical storms are initiated simultaneously along one latitude are investigated. It is argued that such structure arises as part of a baroclinic wave. A case from February 2008 is examined using European Centre for Medium-Range Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses; the birth of three tropical cyclones in the low-level cyclonic regions to the east of upper-level troughs suggests that the wave was instrumental for initiation. Archived satellite imagery and storm warnings reveal that baroclinic waves over the southern Indian Ocean accompany tropical cyclogenesis twice a season on average, mainly in late summer, when breaking Rossby waves on the subtropical westerly jet are closest to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society