Observational Occurrence of Tropical Cyclone Ducts from GPS Dropsonde Data

On the basis of global positioning system dropsonde data, Japan Meteorology Agency Regional Spectral Model analysis data, National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data, satellite products from the Naval Research Laboratory, and best-track tropical-cyclone (TC) datasets from the Shanghai Typhoon Institute, the statistical characteristics of the ducts induced by TCs (TC ducts) over the western North Pacific Ocean were analyzed for the period from September 2003 to September 2006, and two typical strong-duct cases with remarkable differences in formation cause were analyzed and compared. Of the total of 357 dropsondes, there are 212 cases that show ducting conditions, with an occurrence percentage of ~59%. Of the 212 TC-duct events, profiles with multiple ducting layers make up nearly one-half, with the main type of ducts being elevated ducts; in contrast, weak ducts make up over one-half, resulting in a weak median duct strength and thickness. Ducts formed in the transition zone, especially on the left side of TC tracks, tend to be much stronger and thicker than those formed inside TCs. The former are induced by the interaction between TCs and their surrounding systems, such as the inrush of dry and cold air from the north on the left side of TC tracks. The latter are associated with successive subsidence in the gaps between spiral cloud bands. With increasing TC intensities, the associated ducts inside TCs tend to be much stronger and thicker and to appear at higher altitudes.