On the upper ocean response to tropical cyclones: Model interpretation

In this study we suggest a model to interpret the satellite measurements of the SST and the sea level wakes generated by three TCs, — Ignacio, Jimena and Kilo observed in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean in late August-early September 2015. The model is a simplified analytical physical model describing impact of moving TC on the ocean cooling. The model is used to simulate satellite observed features of the SST wakes generated by the TCs. The wind field derived from microwave observations, the best track data, and the background ocean stratification are used as the input parameters to provide the model simulations of the TC's surface wakes. As found the model is consistent with satellite observations on quantitative level, providing adequate reproduction of the SST anomalies in TCs wakes, their space-time variations and trends related to variability of TCs parameters and changes of the environmental conditions.