Marathon versus sprint: Two modes of Tropical Cyclone rapid intensification in a global convection-permitting simulation

One way to reconcile the debates and inconsistencies in the literature is to presume that different forms (or modes) of rapid intensification exist. The present study provides evid ence in support of this hypothesis by documenting two modes of rapid intensification in a global convection-permitting simulation and the HURDAT2 database.

The "marathon mode" is characterized by a moderately paced and long-lived intensification period, whereas the "sprint mode" is characterized by explosive and short-lived intensification bursts. Differences between the modes were also found in initial vortex structure (well defined versus poorly defined), nature of intensification (symmetric versus asymmetric), and environmental conditions (weak shear versus strong shear).