Accession Number:

AD0258558

Title:

THE SUBTROPICAL CYCLONE

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

HAWAII INST OF GEOPHYSICS HONOLULU

Personal Author(s):

• RAMAGE,C.S.

Report Date:

1961-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

1.0

Abstract:

Upper level cut-off cyclones, first identified in middle latitudes, are found as well in lower latitudes where they often extend to the surface and persist for long periods. On 4 April 1960, TIROS I photographed a portion of a near steadystate subtropical cyclone over the eastern Pacific. Composited surface and upper air observations of the cyclone, when combined with the photographs, presented a sketchy but consistent picture of the circulation. A subtropical cyclone which developed near Lihue in February 1951 provided additional details, particularly of the important stability and weather changes accompanying cut-off. The two cases form the foundation for a subtropical cyclone model. Development occurs as in middle latitudes. The mature cyclone, which approximates horizontal symmetry, comprises a direct subsiding circulation in the lower troposphere, separated by a subsidence inversion from a trade wind-like regime in the surface layers. Because of its energy exporting character and the insignificant effect of surface friction, a subtropical cyclone apparently does not decay, being usually absorbed by a large amplitude trough in the polar westerlies. Author

Descriptors:

• *CYCLONES
• AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
• AIR MASS ANALYSIS
• METEOROLOGY
• ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
• TROPICAL REGIONS
• WIND

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE