2002 Articles

Improving the detection and tracking of tropical cyclones in atmospheric general circulation models

Camargo, Suzana J.; Zebiak, Stephen E.

Dynamical seasonal forecasts of tropical storm frequency require robust and efficient algorithms for detection and tracking of tropical storms in atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs). Tropical storms are generally detected when dynamic and thermodynamic variables meet specified criteria. Here, it is shown that objectively defined model- and basin-dependent detection criteria improve simulations of tropical storm climatology and interannual variability in low-resolution AGCMs. An improved tracking method provides more realistic tracking and accurate counting of storms.