Effect of Storm Size on Sea Surface Cooling and Tropical Cyclone Intensification in the Western North Pacific

The effect of tropical cyclone (TC) size on TC-induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling and subsequent TC intensification is an intriguing issue without much exploration. Via compositing satellite-observed SST over the western North Pacific during 2004-19, this study systematically examined the effect of storm size on the magnitude, spatial extension, and temporal evolution of TC-induced SST anomalies (SSTA). Consequential influence on TC intensification is also explored. Among the various TC wind radii, SSTA are found to be most sensitive to the 34-kt wind radius (R34) (1 kt ' 0.51 m s-1). Generally, large TCs generate stronger and more widespread SSTA than small TCs (for category 1-2 TCs, R34: ;270 vs 160 km; SSTA: -1.7 degrees vs -0.9 degrees C). Despite the same effect on prolonging residence time of TC winds, the effect of doubling R34 on SSTA is more profound than halving translation speed, due to more wind energy input into the upper ocean. Also differing from translation speed, storm size has a rather modest effect on the rightward shift and timing of maximum cooling. This study further demonstrates that storm size regulates TC intensification through an oceanic pathway: large TCs tend to induce stronger SST cooling and are exposed to the cooling for a longer time, both of which reduce the ocean's enthalpy supply and thereby diminish TC intensification. For larger TCs experiencing stronger SST cooling, the probability of rapid intensification is half of smaller TCs. The presented results suggest that accurately specifying storm size should lead to improved cooling effect estimation and TC intensity prediction.

Automated summary

This study systematically examined the effect of storm size on TC-induced sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (SSTA) and subsequent TC intensification in the western North Pacific. The results show that large TCs generate stronger and more widespread SSTA than small TCs, and storm size regulates TC intensification through an oceanic pathway.