Ocean Observations in Support of Studies and Forecasts of Tropical and Extratropical Cyclones

Ricardo Domingues,Matthieu Le Hénaff,Benjamin Lacour,Katsufumi Sato,John R Gyakum,Scott Glenn,Lynn K Shay,Robert E Todd,Steven F Dimarco,Steven R Jayne,Tomoko Narazaki,Avichal Mehra,Francis Bringas,Travis Miles,Shigeki Hosoda,Gregory R Foltz,John A Knaff,M M Ali,Luca Centurioni,Elizabeth R Sanabia,Jun A Zhang,Akira Kuwano-Yoshida,George R Halliwell ,I I Lin ,Jianwen Dong ,Patricia Chardón-Maldonado ,Tatsunari Fukuoka ,Hyun‐Sook Kim ,Gustavo Gõni

doi:10.3389/fmars.2019.00446

Abstract

Over the past decade, measurements from the climate-oriented ocean observing system have been key to advancing the understanding of extreme weather events that originate and intensify over the ocean, such as tropical cyclones (TCs) and extratropical bomb cyclones (ECs). In order to foster further advancements to predict and better understand these extreme weather events, a need for a dedicated observing system component specifically to support studies and forecasts of TCs and ECs has been identified, but such a system has not yet been implemented. New technologies, pilot networks, targeted deployments of instruments, and state-of-the art coupled numerical forecast models have enabled advances in research and forecast capabilities and illustrate a potential framework for future development. Here, applications and key results made possible by the different ocean observing efforts in support of studies and forecasts of TCs and ECs as well as recent advances in observing technologies and strategies are reviewed. Then a vision and specific recommendations for the next decade are discussed.

Highlights

Extreme weather events are natural hazards that affect marine and terrestrial areas around the world and are associated with different temporal and spatial scales (Elsner et al, 2008; Menkes et al, 2016; Zhou et al, 2018)
Key results, sampling strategies, and applications of ocean observations in support of studies and forecasts of Tropical cyclones (TCs) and extratropical “bomb” cyclones (ECs) are described. These case studies provide additional information on some of the successful examples of employing data derived from the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), new pilot networks, and targeted deployments to enhance our understanding of the ocean-atmosphere interaction processes that can lead to TC and EC intensification
The real-time monitoring networks will provide oceanic responses to ECs and informations of winds and waves which may contribute to forecast improvement of ECs. In this community white paper, we provide a summary of current ocean observing efforts, and recent research findings in support of studies and forecasts of TCs and ECs

Summary

Introduction

Extreme weather events are natural hazards that affect marine and terrestrial areas around the world and are associated with different temporal and spatial scales (Elsner et al, 2008; Menkes et al, 2016; Zhou et al, 2018).

Results

Conclusion