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http://dx.doi.org/10.12989/was.2012.15.1.065

Observed characteristics of tropical cyclone vertical wind profiles  

Giammanco, Ian M. (Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Texas Tech University)
Schroeder, John L. (Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Texas Tech University)
Powell, Mark D. (NOAA/AOML Hurricane Research Division)
Publication Information
Wind and Structures / v.15, no.1, 2012 , pp. 65-86 More about this Journal
Abstract
Over the last decade substantial improvements have been made in our ability to observe the tropical cyclone boundary layer. Low-level wind speed maxima have been frequently observed in Global Positioning System dropwindsonde (GPS sonde) profiles. Data from GPS sondes and coastal Doppler radars were employed to evaluate the characteristics of tropical cyclone vertical wind profiles in open ocean conditions and at landfall. Changes to the mean vertical wind profile were observed azimuthally and with decreasing radial distance toward the cyclone center. Wind profiles within the hurricane boundary layer exhibited a logarithmic increase with height up to the depth of the wind maximum.
Keywords
tropical cyclones; GPS dropwindsonde; radar; wind; profiles; low-level jets; velocity azimuth display;
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