Earth Sciences

Marine heatwave events strengthen the intensity of tropical cyclones

H. Choi, M. Park, et al.

This groundbreaking research conducted by Hwan-Young Choi, Myung-Sook Park, Hyeong-Seog Kim, and Seonju Lee uncovers the alarming connection between marine heatwaves and the intensification of tropical cyclones. The study reveals that MHWs can boost cyclone intensity by over 35%, raising critical questions about the future of our marine ecosystems under climate change.

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~3 min • Beginner • English

Index

Abstract

Marine heatwaves become more frequent and stronger due to global warming. It is necessary to clarify how and by which process marine heatwaves affect marine weather systems. Here, we examine how marine heatwaves strengthen tropical cyclones. We analyze 128 tropical cyclones that intensified with marine heatwaves and 184 tropical cyclones that intensified without marine heatwaves over the western North Pacific and Atlantic. Marine heatwaves finally lead to a maximum intensity of 35.4% stronger (106.72 kts) tropical cyclone. Notably, satellite data reveal that marine heatwaves are associated with precipitation-richer tropical cyclone conditions despite similar tropical cyclone intensities. Due to the increased latent heat flux during marine heatwaves, intensified precipitation near the tropical cyclone center contributes to the intensification process. This study provides insights into how more frequent marine heatwaves by global warming impact tropical cyclones.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Feb 07, 2024

Authors

Hwan-Young Choi, Myung-Sook Park, Hyeong-Seog Kim, Seonju Lee