Initialization, Prediction and Diagnosis of the Rapid Intensification of Tropical Cyclones using the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator, ACCESS

Lead PI: Dr. Michael Reeder, Monash University
Start Year: 2009 | Duration: 3 years
Partners: Naval Research Laboratory & Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research

The plan presented here describes a 4-part, inter-connected program of: (a) basic research into initialization of realistic TC structures using the state-of-the-art 4-dimensional variational data assimilation system (4D-VAR) from ACCESS (Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator), which is an implementation of the UK Meteorological Office’s NWP system, (b) very high-resolution forecast experiments on prediction of TC structure and intensity, with particular focus on Rapid Intensification, using ACCESS, (c) Diagnosis of the mechanisms of TC intensity and structure change (environmental influences, vortex structure, internal processes), and (d) transitioning of a validated TC assimilation and prediction system into operations, to provide forecast guidance on TC track, intensity and structure change.

Annual PI Reports:
FY 2010 PI Report
FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report