Dynamics of Lower-Tropospheric Vorticity in Idealized Simulations of Tropical Cyclone Formation

Abstract

Abstract Idealized simulations are conducted using the Cloud Model version 1 (CM1) to explore the mechanism of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis from a preexisting midtropospheric vortex that forms in radiative–convective equilibrium. With lower-tropospheric air approaching near saturation during TC genesis, convective cells become stronger, along with the intensifying updrafts and downdrafts and the larger area coverage of updrafts relative to downdrafts. Consequently, the low-level vertical mass flux increases, inducing vorticity amplification above the boundary layer. Of interest is that while surface cold pools help organize lower-tropospheric updrafts, genesis still proceeds, only slightly delayed, if subcloud evaporation cooling and cold pool intensity are drastically reduced. More detrimental is the disruption of near saturation through the introduction of weak vertical wind shear. The lower-tropospheric dry air suppresses the strengthening of convection, leading to weaker upward mass flux and much slower near-surface vortex spinup. We also find that surface spinup is similarly inhibited by decreasing surface drag despite the existence of a nearly saturated column, whereas larger drag accelerates spinup. Increased vorticity above the boundary layer is followed by the emergence of a horizontal pressure gradient through the depth of the boundary layer. Then the corresponding convergence resulting from the gradient imbalance in the frictional boundary layer causes vorticity amplification near the surface. It is suggested that near saturation in the lower troposphere is critical for increasing the mass flux and vorticity just above the boundary layer, but it is necessary yet insufficient because the spinup is strongly governed by boundary layer dynamics.