How Cloud Processes Alter the Effects of Midlatitude Cyclones on the Atmospheric General Circulation

与中纬度天气系统相关的温带气旋通常伴随着广泛的云层覆盖，但云层对气旋发展的影响程度尚不清楚。本项目研究云辐射和潜热加热对热带气旋发展的影响，以及它们向极地输送的能量和水分的数量。 这项工作使用新开发的数据集，其中云辐射和潜热加热来自卫星观测，结合气象再分析产品，捕获气旋特征，包括风，温度和湿度。 特征跟踪算法用于跟踪单个气旋，并确定云加热对气旋生命周期所有阶段的影响。以前的研究已经解决了云加热对热带气旋的影响，但结果有些混合，部分原因是缺乏可用的案例来得出结论。 因此，新的数据集提供了更明确的结论的承诺，由于可以检查的案例数量更大，沿着云加热场的质量有所改善。这项工作在两个方面产生了更广泛的影响：首先，它将支持研究生，从而为这一研究领域的下一代科学家提供支持。 其次，这项工作将有利于评估和改进天气和气候模式。

The extratropical cyclones cyclones associated with midlatitude weather systems are typically accompanied by extensive cloud cover, but the extent to which the clouds have an effect on cyclone development is not well known. This project investigates the impact of cloud radiative and latent heating on the development of extratropical cyclones, as well as the amount of energy and moisture they transport poleward. The work uses newly developed datasets in which cloud radiative and latent heating are derived from satellite observations, in combination with meteorological reanalysis products which capture cyclone characteristics including winds, temperature, and humidity. Feature tracking algorithms are used to follow individual cyclones and determine the impact of cloud heating on all stages of the cyclone lifecycle. Previous studies have addressed cloud heating impacts on extratropical cyclones, but with somewhat mixed results, in part due to the lack of available cases on which to base conclusions. The new datasets thus offer the promise of more definitive conclusions, due to the larger number of cases that can be examined, along with improvements in the quality of the cloud heating fields.The work broader impacts in two ways: first, it will support a graduate student, thereby providing for the next generation of scientists in this research area. Second, the work will be beneficial for evaluating and improving weather and climate models.