Effects of oceanographic media on Equatorial Atlantic hurricanes

Abstract

This study was performed in an attempt to determine the relationship between tropical storms which reach hurricane intensity and the mean corresponding oceanographic environmental conditions. An historical analysis of vertical temperature gradients in the Equatorial Atlantic (July-September) from the sea surface to the 200-foot level reveals favorable and unfavorable potentials in the oceanographic media for intensification of tropical storms to hurricanes. A chart depicting the number and location of tropical storms which reached hurricane intensity during 1901–1965 is presented. Approximately 90 per cent of these storms reached hurricane intensity when the vertical temperature difference between the ocean surface and the 200-foot level was 7°F or less. Only 4 per cent of all tropical storms reached hurricane intensity when vertical temperature differences within the first 200 feet of the ocean surface exceeded 15°F. Data from satellite and aircraft reconnaissance flights depicting intensity of tropical storms in the Equatorial Atlantic for the period 1960–1965 show similar relationships with the oceanographic media. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1969.tb00435.x