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@article{Li:2025:10.1002/qj.70014,
author = {Li, M and Toumi, R},
doi = {10.1002/qj.70014},
journal = {Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society},
title = {Can tropical cyclones exist near the Equator?},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qj.70014},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Tropical cyclones (TCs) rarely form within about 5 degrees of latitude of theEquator due to the weak Coriolis force, yet it is not clear how a weak Coriolisforce would affect an already developed TC vortex. In this study, a set of Cori-olis parameter (f ) sensitivity experiments are applied to a well-developed TCvortex in idealized simulations by decreasing f to zero, both abruptly and grad-ually. The simulated TCs weaken due to the reduction of f . However, dependingon the initial intensity, it can take several days for the TC to decay to a tropicalstorm. Both radial inflow and outflow strengthen throughout the cyclone depth,because of decreasing inertial stability and increasing agradient force associ-ated with reduced f . This further causes a deeper inflow layer and strengtheneddowndrafts associated with convection in the outer rainbands. The downdraftentrainment of mid-level dry air into the deeper inflow layer stabilizes theboundary layer and suppresses deep convection, ultimately resulting in theweakening of TCs. Although TCs are not formed readily near the Equator, if theyare steered there they could potentially exist long enough to cause damage.
AU - Li,M
AU - Toumi,R
DO - 10.1002/qj.70014
PY - 2025///
SN - 0035-9009
TI - Can tropical cyclones exist near the Equator?
T2 - Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qj.70014
UR - https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/qj.70014
ER -
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