Advances in Earth Science

   

Review of Studies on Mesoscale Waves: Relationships with the Fine-Scale Structure and Intensity Changes of Typhoons

HUANG Xin1, 2, 3, 4, DAI Huaning1, 2, ZHAO Yuchun1, 2, CUI Mengxue1, 2, XUN Aiping1, 5, PAN Ning6, ZHOU Yushu3, 4   

  1. (1. Xiamen Key Laboratory of Straits Meteorology, Xiamen Meteorological Bureau, Xiamen 361012, China; 2. Xiamen Meteorological Observatory, Xiamen 361012, China; 3. Key Laboratory of Cloud–Precipitation Physics and Severe Storms, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; 4. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; 5. Jimei Meteorological Bureau, Xiamen 361021, China; 6. Fujian Meteorological Observatory, Fuzhou 350008, China)
  • About author:HUANG Xin, Engineer, research areas include mesoscale meteorological mechanism and diagnostic analysis. E-mail: huangxin_aria@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Project supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (Grant No. 2023J05061); The National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42205011).

HUANG Xin, DAI Huaning, ZHAO Yuchun, CUI Mengxue, XUN Aiping, PAN Ning, ZHOU Yushu. Review of Studies on Mesoscale Waves: Relationships with the Fine-Scale Structure and Intensity Changes of Typhoons[J]. Advances in Earth Science, DOI: 10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2025.055.

Abstract:Current limitations in typhoon forecasting are primarily attributed to insufficient understanding of mesoscale processes. To address this gap, this review synthesizes current understanding of mesoscale waves in typhoons, including vortex Rossby waves (VRWs) and typhoon-induced gravity waves (TGWs). It investigates their generation mechanisms and characteristics, and systematically examines the linkages between these waves and key typhoon structural features, including the eyewall, spiral rainbands, convective intensity, and (a) symmetric structure. Furthermore, it investigates the impacts of these structural modifications on typhoon intensity, alongside the statistical correlations between wave characteristics and typhoon intensity changes. The results show that: (1) The theoretical frameworks for polygonal eyewall and inner spiral rainbands formation have evolved from TGWs theory to VRWs theory. VRWs provide partial explanations for typhoon asymmetric structures and double-eyewall formation, while representing one plausible mechanism for outer spiral rainbands. The intensity changes induced by VRWs manifests through complex processes, characterized by different dynamical responses depending on (i) the wave propagation directionality (tangential/radial), (ii) spatial domain (inner-core/outer region) and (iii) levels (mid-lower/upper) during (iv) different periods over the typhoon lifecycle phase (intensification/decay). (2) The wave characteristics of TGWs (including amplitude, wavelength, period, and occurrence frequency) exhibit a correlation with typhoon intensity changes. TGWs, primarily excited by convection in the eyewall and spiral rainbands and rapidly propagating vertically, may serve as a precursor signal for typhoon (rapid) intensification. (3) Both VRWs and TGWs can drive the outward radial transport of momentum and heat within typhoons. Through wave-mean flow interactions, they modify local circulation and enhance typhoon symmetry, ultimately contributing to typhoon intensification (including rapid intensification). Some scientific issues remain in applying VRWs and TGWs to improve fine-scale wind/precipitation distributions and advance the forecasting skill of typhoon intensity changes. Current research underscores the necessity of integrating high-resolution numerical simulations with multi-platform coordinated observations to quantitatively analyze the mesoscale wave – typhoon interactions, thereby identifying precursor signals for typhoon intensification, including rapid intensification. Tools such as wave spectrum analysis and wave energy flux diagnostics are instrumental in extracting early-warning indicators from both wave characteristics and energy transport perspectives. Advances in satellite and radar detection technologies will enable the validation of theoretical frameworks through multi-platform observational data, ultimately enhancing monitoring and forecasting capabilities for typhoon structural and intensity changes.
No related articles found!
Viewed
Full text


Abstract