Skip navigation
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp01t435gh05w
Title: Theory and hierarchical modeling of tropical and extratropical cyclones
Authors: Hsieh, Tsung-Lin
Advisors: Garner, Stephen T
Contributors: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Department
Keywords: Baroclinic cyclone
Climate model
Nonhydrostatic dynamics
Quasi-geostrophic turbulence
Tropical cyclone
Subjects: Atmospheric sciences
Climate change
Fluid mechanics
Issue Date: 2020
Publisher: Princeton, NJ : Princeton University
Abstract: Aspects of tropical and extratropical cyclone dynamics and their relationships with the climate are investigated. Theoretical advances are made in the development of analytical approximations verified in model experiments designed with hierarchical levels of process representation. Starting with the quasi-geostrophic theory, a new regime of solutions is investigated, which challenges the classical theories of wave-mean flow interaction. The results show the emergence of surface easterlies in the baroclinic zone, as opposed to the Earth-like surface westerlies, in the parameter space where the quasi-linear approximation of the large-scale midlatitude circulation breaks down. With an increased level of complexity, a theory is developed to connect the convection-scale moist dynamics with the synoptic-scale circulation of a mature baroclinic cyclone. Verified in a quasi-steady simulation of a moist baroclinic cyclone, the theory establishes limits within which a rescaling of nonhydrostatic dynamics improves the representation of convection in global climate models. A diagnostic theory is developed to explain the frequency of tropical cyclones simulated in global climate models. The complex relationship between the cyclone frequency and the large-scale circulation is simplified by decomposing the cyclone development process. A hierarchy of model experiments are conducted to isolate specific processes and to evaluate the corresponding components in the theory. The theory is applied to realistic simulations of historical and future climates, as well as observational tropical cyclone records. Physical interpretations are established regarding the diversity of tropical cyclone simulations across models and the projected frequency in response to various global warming perturbations.
URI: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp01t435gh05w
Alternate format: The Mudd Manuscript Library retains one bound copy of each dissertation. Search for these copies in the library's main catalog: catalog.princeton.edu
Type of Material: Academic dissertations (Ph.D.)
Language: en
Appears in Collections:Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
Hsieh_princeton_0181D_13477.pdf11.9 MBAdobe PDFView/Download


Items in Dataspace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.