Journal article
Tropical cyclone activity in the Fiji region: Spatial patterns and relationship to large-scale circulation
SS Chand, KJE Walsh
Journal of Climate | Published : 2009
Abstract
This study examines the variations in tropical cyclone (TC) genesis positions and their subsequent tracks for different phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon in the Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga region (FST region) using Joint Typhoon Warning Center best-track data. Over the 36-yr period from 1970/71 to 2005/06, 122 cyclones are observed in the FST region. A large spread in the genesis positions is noted. During El Niño years, genesis is enhanced east of the date line, extending from north of Fiji to over Samoa, with the highest density centered around 10°S, 180°. During neutral years, maximum genesis occurs immediately north of Fiji with enhanced genesis south of Samoa. In L..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Scott John Gaffney for his permission to use the TC curve clustering toolbox. We also appreciate constructive comments by the reviewers. We are grateful to Kevin Keay for his advice on the use of data analysis software. We also wish to thank Yuri Kuleshov and Hamish Ramsay for their helpful suggestions and comments. Finally, we acknowledge the support of Rajendra Prasad and Simon McGree from the Fiji Meteorological Services.