Stratospheric Gravity Waves as a Proxy for Hurricane Intensification: a
Case Study of WRF Simulation for Hurricane Joaquin
Abstract
We conducted simulations with a 4-km resolution for Hurricane Joaquin in
2015 using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. The model data
are used to study stratospheric gravity waves (GWs) generated by the
hurricane and how they correlate with hurricane intensity. The
simulation results show spiral GWs propagating upward and anticlockwise
away from the hurricane center. GWs with vertical wavelengths up to 14
km are generated. We find that GW activity is more frequent and intense
during hurricane intensification than during weakening, particularly for
the most intense GW activity. There are significant correlations between
the change of stratospheric GW intensity and hurricane intensity.
Therefore, the emergence of intensive stratospheric GW activity may be
considered a useful proxy for identifying hurricane intensification.