Quantifying Interagency Differences in Tropical Cyclone Best-Track Wind Speed Estimates

• DOI: 10.1175/2009mwr3123.1
• Publication Date: 2009-11-12T15:00:37Z
• Authors: Kenneth R. Knapp; Michael C. Kruk
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract Numerous agencies around the world perform postseason analysis of tropical cyclone position and intensity, a process described as “best tracking.” However, this is temporally spatially inhomogeneous because data availability, operational techniques, knowledge have changed over time differ among agencies. The net result that positions intensities often vary for any given storm different In light these differences, it imperative to analyze document interagency differences in intensities. To end, maximum sustained winds from were compared using International Best Track Archive Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) global dataset. Comparisons made recent 5-yr period investigate current where linear systematic evident. Time series comparisons also showed temporal changes which suggest procedures. Initial attempts normalize by correcting known was mixed, adjustments removed some but not all differences. This suggests more details on procedures are needed complete reanalysis should be performed.