A Model of Hurricane Formation

Abstract

At first, the description of the energy cycle of the mature tropical storm is amplified on the basis of recent upper air observations. Air particles passing through such a storm at first undergo isothermal expansion as they move toward a center. Then they ascend with release of condensation. At high levels they move outward and mix with the environment giving off heat to the surrounding colder air. Several requisites for maintenance of the observed temperature field are stated. After a discussion of previous theories of hurricane formation the proposed model is described. The initial intensification of the wind field is brought about by mass divergence at high levels that imposes a pressure reduction on the surface layers. This divergence is the result of interaction between the large-scale disturbances of the upper air inside and outside the tropics. A solenoidal circulation is initiated that acts in the kinetic energy producing sense. But this circulation contains an internal mechanism for its own destruction and is maintained only under certain special conditions which are stated.