Nonlinear impacts of surface exchange coefficient uncertainty on tropical cyclone intensity and air-sea interactions

The competing processes near the air-sea interface are controlled by both the near surface wind speed and the surface momentum (C-d) and enthalpy (C-k) exchange coefficients. Unfortunately, these coefficients are currently highly uncertain at high wind speeds.

Tropical cyclone winds also apply a force on the ocean surface, which results in ocean surface cooling through vertical mixing. Using coupled atmosphere-ocean and uncoupled (atmosphere only) ensemble simulations we explore the complex influence of uncertain surface exchange coefficients on storm-induced ocean feedback and tropical cyclone intensity. We find that the magnitude of ocean cooling increases with storm intensity and C-d.