Tropical Cyclone Motion in the Western Pacific.
Abstract:
A systematic examination of the physics of beta-drift of tropical cyclones has been undertaken. Sequentially we analysed beta-drift of a vortex with baroclinic structure, explored the physics of development and gyration of beta gyres and then exposed the vortex to environmental shears. Through this work we have identified physical factors controlling drift of a baroclinic vortex in a quiescent environment, identified variability of drift due to vortex structure, developed a kinetic energy theory to explain gyre formation, identified the effect of horizontal shears on beta-drift, proven that shear strain rate of environmental flow alters drift speed and shown the mechanisms by which environmental shear changes beta-drift direction. A theory has been developed for dependence of beta-drift on environmental shear and initial vortex structure.