Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-1312
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-1312
16 Jun 2023
 | 16 Jun 2023

Examining the dynamics of a Borneo vortex using a balance approximation tool

Sam Hardy, John Methven, Juliane Schwendike, Ben Harvey, and Mike Cullen

Abstract. Cyclonic vortices that are weaker than tropical storm category can bring heavy precipitation as they propagate across the South China Sea and across surrounding countries. Here we investigate the structure and dynamics responsible for the intensification of a Borneo vortex that moved from the north of Borneo across the South China Sea and impacted Vietnam and Thailand in late October 2018. This case study is examined using Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) simulations and an idealised semi-geotriptic (SGT) balance approximation tool. Satellite observations and a MetUM simulation with 4.4 km grid initialised at 12 UTC on 21 October 2018, show that the westward-moving vortex is characterised by a coherent maximum in total column water, and by a comma-shaped precipitation structure with the heaviest rainfall to the northwest of the circulation centre. The Borneo vortex is comprised of a low-level cyclonic circulation and a mid-level wave embedded in the background easterly shear flow, which strengthens with height up to around 7 km. Despite being in the Tropics at 6º N, the low-level vortex and mid-level wave are well represented by SGT balance dynamics. The mid-level wave propagates along a vertical gradient in moist stability, i.e., the product between the specific humidity and the static stability, at 4.5 to 5 km and is characterised by a coherent signature in the potential vorticity, meridional wind, and balanced vertical velocity fields. The vertical motion is dominated by coupling with diabatic heating and in quadrature with the potential vorticity so that the diabatic wave propagates westwards, relative to the flow, at a rate consistent with prediction from moist semi-geostrophic theory. Initial vortex development at low levels is consistent with baroclinic growth initiated by the mid-level diabatic Rossby wave, which propagates on baroclinic shear flow on the southern flank of a large-scale cold surge.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

29 Nov 2023
Examining the dynamics of a Borneo vortex using a balance approximation tool
Sam Hardy, John Methven, Juliane Schwendike, Ben Harvey, and Mike Cullen
Weather Clim. Dynam., 4, 1019–1043, https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-4-1019-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-4-1019-2023, 2023
Short summary

Sam Hardy et al.

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1312', Anonymous Referee #1, 24 Jul 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1312', Anonymous Referee #2, 23 Aug 2023
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1312', Sam Hardy, 05 Oct 2023
    • EC1: 'Reply on AC1', Peter Knippertz, 07 Oct 2023
      • AC2: 'Reply on EC1', Sam Hardy, 16 Oct 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1312', Anonymous Referee #1, 24 Jul 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1312', Anonymous Referee #2, 23 Aug 2023
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1312', Sam Hardy, 05 Oct 2023
    • EC1: 'Reply on AC1', Peter Knippertz, 07 Oct 2023
      • AC2: 'Reply on EC1', Sam Hardy, 16 Oct 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Sam Hardy on behalf of the Authors (05 Oct 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (16 Oct 2023) by Peter Knippertz
AR by Sam Hardy on behalf of the Authors (17 Oct 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (18 Oct 2023) by Peter Knippertz
AR by Sam Hardy on behalf of the Authors (18 Oct 2023)  Author's response   Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

29 Nov 2023
Examining the dynamics of a Borneo vortex using a balance approximation tool
Sam Hardy, John Methven, Juliane Schwendike, Ben Harvey, and Mike Cullen
Weather Clim. Dynam., 4, 1019–1043, https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-4-1019-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-4-1019-2023, 2023
Short summary

Sam Hardy et al.

Sam Hardy et al.

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Latest update: 06 Dec 2023
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Short summary
We examine a Borneo vortex case using computer simulations and satellite observations. The vortex is identified with high humidity through the atmosphere and has heaviest rainfall on its northern flank. Simulations represent circulation and rainfall accumulation well. The low-level Borneo vortex is coupled with a higher-level wave, which moves westwards along a layer with a sharp vertical gradient in moisture. Vortex growth occurs through mechanisms usually considered outside the tropics.