Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2018, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (3): 26-34.doi: 10.11978/2017073CSTR: 32234.14.2017073

Special Issue: 南海专题

• Orginal Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effect of environmental factors on the intensity of Typhoons Wutip and Mirinae in the South China Sea

Haoliang WU1(), Song HU1,2()   

  1. 1. Marine Ecosystem and Environmental Laboratory, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
    2. National Oceanic Fisheries Engineering Research Center, Shanghai 201306, China
  • Received:2017-06-27 Revised:2017-09-26 Online:2018-06-10 Published:2018-05-03
  • Supported by:
    Haiyan Project of Shanghai Ocean University (A2-0203-00-100520);Research Business Expenses of College of Marine Sciences in Shanghai Ocean University (D-8002-15-8003);Basic Research Business Expenses of Guangxi Academy of Sciences (13YJ22HY07)

Abstract:

We selected two rapidly intensifying, locally-originated typhoons Wutip (1321) and Mirinae (1603), and analyzed upper- and low-level circulations, vertical wind shear, and ocean heat content in and around the South China Sea during typhoons’ passages over the sea. We also used WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting Model) model to discuss the environmental factors for their different intensities. Although the underlying conditions were more favorable for Mirinae, it did not develop into a strong typhoon due to weak upper- and low-level circulations and strong vertical wind shear. On the contrary, Wutip developed into a super typhoon rapidly due to the cold southward airflow and the outburst of warm humid air from the southwest. The results from WRF model’s sensitivity experiments about the effect of sea surface temperature (SST) on the intensity of locally-originated typhoon indicated that locally-originated typhoon intensity and SST have nonlinear positive correlation. However, as SST increases, the intensification trend of locally-originated typhoon slows down. From July to September, the SST in the South China Sea is higher than 28℃, meeting the condition for typhoon intensification. Therefore, attention should be paid to different environmental factors other than SST in locally-originated typhoons’ forecast in the South China Sea.

Key words: locally-originated typhoon, environmental factor, sea surface temperature (SST), moisture flux