Hurricane behavior as related to oceanographic environmental conditions

This study was performed in an attempt to determine the relationship of hurricane behavior to the thermal structure of water masses over which the hurricane passes. Data for this study were obtained from synoptic sea surface weather reports transmitted to the U.S. Weather Bureau by the ships of opportunity. Observations were made to establish the relationship of pressure variations to changes of sea surface temperatures. Hurricanes Esther (1961), Ginny (1963), Cleo (1964), Dora (1964), and Hilda (1964) were used as examples to relate the central pressure to oceanographic environmental conditions.

A series of analytical studies of synoptic sea surface temperature patterns in a defined area from 25 N to 35 N and west of 73 W to the coast in the western Atlantic Ocean during selected periods (1961–1964) were performed. To provide a better understanding of the physical structure of the ocean environment, a historical vertical temperature profile was employed as a model. The quasi-synoptic sea surface temperature charts for the area revealed the existence of definable temperature patterns which showed a notable stability during the overall period. The sea surface temperature patterns were highly complex and detailed.

The results of the studies provide a basis for relating the sea surface temperatures to the intensity of hurricanes. Hurricanes seem to deepen (intensify) over warm water and to fill (weaken) over cool water. This principle can be applied to all hurricanes which retain their tropical characteristics throughout their life cycle.