Tropical Atmospheric Dynamics

该奖项下的研究涉及大气运动的四个重要方面。虽然有些研究涉及一般过程，但重点主要集中在热带地区。(1)利用半地转理论，PI将计算大尺度大气对飑线通过的响应。这项任务需要识别和使用专门的数值方法。模型结果将用最近的观测项目Pre-STORM的数据进行验证。(2)热带辐合带（ITCZ）是热带对流带，是大气热量释放的主要来源，每年大约在太阳日照最大值之后从北半球迁移到南半球并返回，并与被称为Hadley单体的大尺度环流模式有关。在两个半球中，哈德利细胞的强度明显不对称。PI将调查ITCZ的位置和强度如何与大尺度大气流动相互作用，影响哈德利环流。(3)许多关于热带气旋的研究受到轴对称假设的限制。PI正在开发一种研究热带气旋的新模型，该模型将考虑到不对称运动，并将使用它来研究观测到的飓风带状结构的各个方面。此外，他正在开发一种可以在个人电脑上运行的一般热带气旋模型。这将被证明是一个优秀的教育和研究工具。(4)将继续开展理论工作，建立适用于高弯曲流场的模型。PI是一位杰出的理论家和数学家，他继续为热带动力学领域做出重要贡献。大部分研究将与数学系的一位同事合作完成。

Research under this award involves four important aspects of atmospheric motion. Although some of the research involves general processes, the focus is primarily on the tropics. (1) Using semi-geostrophic theory, the PI will calculate the large-scale atmospheric response to the passage of squall lines. The task require the identification and use of specialized numerical methods. Model results will be verified with data from a recent observational field program, Pre-STORM. (2) The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a band of tropical convection and major source of heat release into the atmosphere, annually migrates from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere and back roughly following the solar insolation maximum and is associated with a large-scale circulation pattern known as the Hadley cell. There is a distinct asymmetry in the strength of the Hadley cell in the two hemispheres. The PI will investigate how the position and intensity of the ITCZ, interacting with the large-scale atmospheric flow, affect the Hadley circulations. (3) Many studies of tropical cyclones are limited by the assumption of axisymmetry. The PI is developing a new model for the study of tropical cyclones which will allow for asymmetric motion and will use it to study aspects of the observed banded structure of hurricanes. In addition, he is developing a general tropical cyclone model that can be run on a personal computer. This should prove to be an excellent educational as well as research tool. (4) Theoretical work aimed at developing models which are valid for highly curved flow will also be continued. The PI is an excellent theoretician and mathematician who continues to make important contributions to the field of tropical dynamics. Much of the research will be done in collaboration with a colleague in the Mathematics Department.