Recent Developments in the Fluid Dynamics of Tropical Cyclones

Abstract

This article reviews progress in understanding the fluid dynamics and moist thermodynamics of tropical cyclone vortices. The focus is on the dynamics and moist thermodynamics of vortex intensification and structure. We discuss previous ideas on many facets of the subject and articulate also some open questions. The advances reviewed herein provide new insight and tools for interpreting complex vortex-convective phenomenology in simulated and observed tropical cyclones.