In-Situ Measurements of Sensible Heat Fluxes in a Tropical Cyclone

The ocean and atmosphere constantly exchange momentum, mass and energy through fluxes near the surface. These fluxes play a key role in many processes, including weather. Of particular interest are Tropical Cyclones (TC) (also known as Hurricanes or Typhoons), as it is believed that these fluxes are central to their formation and intensity. However, due to the extreme conditions during these events, it is difficult to obtain good data directly within or near a TC. We propose a method of measuring one of these fluxes (sensible heat flux) from a fixed offshore platform and present our measurements during the near-passage of two TC. Our measurements suggest that sensible heat fluxes during these two events reverse direction and were much smaller in magnitude compared to conditions at similar wind speeds.

Key Points

• Sonic anemometers were used to measure sensible heat fluxes (SHF) near the ocean surface.
• SHF was much lower during the near-pass of a tropical cyclone compared to other instances at similar winds.
• Measured fluxes change in sign almost exclusively during the tropical cyclone near-passes.

Recommended citation: Novomestsky, M., Voermans, J. J., & Babanin, A. V. (2025). In situ measurements of sensible heat fluxes in a tropical cyclone. Geophysical Research Letters, 52, e2025GL115842. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL115842
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