The Structure and Complexity of the Eye of a Hurricane

In studying the dynamics and mechanics that go into the formation of one of the most incredible structures in meteorology, the eye of a hurricane surpasses the ideal weather system. A hurricane, in all definitions, is truly a machine that has puzzled meteorologists and weather-watchers for centuries. Numerous research has been done to study and help predict the paths, intensity, and structure of these monsters from the sea. If one was to glance at a satellite picture of a large, major hurricane, they are instantly drawn to the center feature, the majestic eye. This paper will examine in-depth the structure and complexity of the mysteries of the eye of a hurricane as well as to speculate on how the eye behavior could perhaps better predict intensity and the future track of a particular tropical cyclone. First, we must have some background on how a tropical system first forms. An average of 75-100 tropical waves move off of the African coast each year however only about 10-15% of the waves go on to become tropical depressions. Some of these go on to become tropical storms with winds over 39mph. Still a fewer number of these tropical storms go on to actually become hurricanes. To be designated a hurricane, the system must have winds exceeding 74mph. At this point, a hurricane is ranked on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with a Category 1 hurricane capable of “minimal” damage and up to Category 5 hurricane capable of “catastrophic” damage. A hurricane is named a “major” hurricane once it attains Category 3 strength wind winds in excess of 115mph. The most spectacular eye visualizations and structures coincide with these major hurricanes. (Simpson, 122) Several parameters are essential for the growth and development of tropical cyclones. They include, but are not limited to, warm sea surface temperatures of at least 80oF, open water free from the friction of land, and weak vertical shear in the upper atmosphere. Once a major hurricane is born, it is an intense weather engine that can sustain itself for many days and even up to a week given certain, favorable conditions. On average, the Atlantic averages 2.1 major hurricanes a year whereas the northwest Pacific averages 7.5 major typhoons a year. Last century, only 22 hurricanes in the Atlantic basin attained Category 5 or Super-Hurricane status. Of these 22, only 8 of these made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane and only two of these occurred in the United States – the Florida Keys hurricane of 1935 and Hurricane Camille (MS) in 1969. They are rare indeed. (Mccown) However, when doing research, it is always best to look at the classic, textbook structure of a particular system, as well as to study abnormalities that occasionally occur. Meteorology is never an exact science and there are always rules to be bent. Most of my analysis, thus, will be based on well-studied and researched hurricanes of our age. Through the extensive data provided by satellite imagery, NOAA Air Force reconnaissance planes (hurricane hunters), and, most recently real-time radar imagery, meteorologists are closer than ever in decoding and deciphering the mysteries and secrets that the eye of a hurricane holds. By analyzing the structure and complexities of the eye of a hurricane, perhaps better forecasting will eventually lead to a better warning system for the public, which, of course, is always the ultimate goal. The Structure and Complexity of the Eye of a Hurricane