Ocean temperature observations in Hurricane Dorian (2019)

Densmore, C. R., Sanabia, E. R., & Jayne, S. R., 2023. Ocean Temperature Observations in Hurricane Dorian (2019). Monthly Weather Review. https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-22-0271.1

This study examined in situ and satellite ocean temperature observations beneath Hurricane Dorian (2019) as the storm moved slowly, turned north, and weakened near Grand Bahama Island. Observations included a distinct change in the spatial distribution of cool upper-ocean temperatures beneath the storm, indicating a shift in the primary cooling mechanism from ocean mixing to upwelling. This mechanism shift is important because hurricanes depend on warm ocean temperatures for energy, and upwelling roughly doubles the area of cooling beneath the storm. Our results highlight the effects of large heading changes on the upper-ocean response beneath tropical cyclones, especially in tandem with slow translation speeds. (Summary and image provided by Steve Jayne)