The response of a 3-level axisymmetric hurricane model to artificial redistribution of convective heat release

Numerical experiments with a 3-level, symmetric hurricane model have shown that the redistribution of water vapor associated with an artificial enhancement of convective heating beyond the radius of maximum wind can yield a large (about 40%) reduction in maximum surface wind speed generated by the model. The amount of reduction depends critically on the region of the storm which is assumed to supply the water vapor necessary to fuel the increased convection. The maximum effect occurs when the compensating water vapor is removed from the boundary layer. A much less effect is noted if all the compensating water vapor comes from the middle troposphere. The structures of the control model storm and several "modified" storms are presented.