Analysis of Cyclogenesis for Mid-Latitude and Tropical Storms Using the Petterssen-Sutcliffe Development Equation

In this study, the Petterssen-Sutcliffe development equation is used to examine cyclogenesis. In the past, several other methods have been used to study cyclogenesis and calculate vertical motion, such as the kinematic and adiabatic methods, quasi-geostrophic theory as well as the approaches derived from them. However, there is little documentation on the application of the historical Petterssen-Sutcliffe method, and hence the motivation for this study. The forcing terms of the Petterssen-Sutcliffe development equation are calculated using GEMPAK software. These forcing terms include vorticity advection, temperature advection, stability, and diabatic heating. Two mid-latitude storms and two tropical systems were analyzed to see if this method could recognize cyclogenesis in both baroclinic and barotropic environments. The first mid-latitude storm occurred in late January 2000. It formed off the coast of the Carolinas and traveled up the East Coast over the Atlantic Ocean. The second storm spent its life cycle over land in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions during March 1999. Both tropical systems originated in the Gulf of Mexico: Hurricane Earl (1998) and Hurricane Gordon (2000). This method of analysis was shown to have general success in identifying cyclogenesis of mid-latitude cyclones and somewhat limited success with tropical storms. It is hoped that this method will benefit both educational and operational environments where students and forecasters can use this additional analysis to supplement their understanding of the atmosphere.