레이더 3차원 바람장을 이용한 중위도 저기압 회전 중심 탐지 연구

Abstract

Mid-latitude cyclones are vortices ranging from meso-scale to synoptic-scale, characterized by rising and converging air, and are commonly associated with low-pressure systems and fronts. These systems can cause significant damage due to strong winds and heavy precipitation. While weather forecasters typically monitor the mid-latitude cyclones by analyzing precipitation intensity and movement from radar echoes, this approach becomes challenging when precipitation areas shift spatially or vary regionally. To address this issue, we propose a novel technique for tracking mid-latitude cyclones by detecting their cyclonic circulation centroid from radar wind fields. Our method uses high-resolution three-dimensional wind field data derived from radar radial velocity observations provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration. These data are processed using the “WInd Synthesis System using Doppler Measurements (WISSDOM)”. By analyzing wind direction, speed, and vorticity, we objectively identify the cyclonic rotation center in real-time. The proposed technique consists of three steps: 1) identifying potential cyclonic center grid points based on wind speed and vorticity, 2) analyzing cyclonic vorticity area using wind direction pattern, and 3) determining the final cyclonic center points. We applied this method to 50 extratropical cyclone events between 2023 and 2024, successfully detecting cyclonic center in 46 cases. Future improvements will focus on optimizing and refining the algorithm. This research enhances our understanding and predictive capabilities for mid-latitude cyclones and associated severe weather events. Additionally, we aim to extend this technique to detect the centroids of tropical cyclones and mesocyclones, contributing to early monitoring of torrential rainfall.