Tropical-Cyclone Formation: Theory and Idealized Modelling

This report summarizes work completed since IWTC-VI that contributes to an improved understanding of tropical-cyclone formation and a potentially useful perspective for forecasters and researchers. The topic of tropical cyclone formation has been the subject of considerable active research in the past four years. Much of the recent research reviewed here points to a unified view of the genesis and intensification process. It provides also a basis for some new tools to aid in forecasting tropical-cyclone formation.