Hurricanes: Their Nature and Impacts on Society - Climate Science ...

TROPICAL CYCLONES ON PLANET EARTH
Figure 3.6 Visible satellite image of the hurricane eye in Hurricane Edouard on 26
August 1996 (see Figure 3.4). At this time, sustained surface winds were about 140 mph
(224 kph). Photo courtesy of Ray Zehr, NOAA
Figure 3.9 illustrates a computer model simulation of a vertical crosssection
through a hurricane. Shown in this figure, <strong>and</strong> observed in real storms,
is the typical increase in diameter of the eye with height due to the tilt of
thunderstorms in the upper troposphere outward from the center of
circulation. One reason that this tilt occurs is the strong outflow from the
top of the storm. Figure 3.10 presents a horizontal cross-section of the simulated
hurricane with the eye wall <strong>and</strong> spiral b<strong>and</strong>s more clearly defined.
The view from within the eye can be spectacular in strong hurricanes. The
deep thunderstorm clouds of the eye wall have been characterized as
appearing like a gigantic rotating coliseum. Birds have been reported as
finding sanctuary within the storms, often being transported hundreds or even
thous<strong>and</strong>s of miles from their native regions. Ships within the eye often report
numerous birds perching on their vessels in order to rest.
Robert H. Simpson graphically describes the appearance of the eye as seen
from an aircraft penetrating into Typhoon Marge:
Soon the edge of the rainless eye became visible on the (radar) screen. The plane
flew through bursts of torrential rain <strong>and</strong> several turbulent bumps. Then
suddenly we were in dazzling sunlight <strong>and</strong> bright blue sky.
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