Characteristics of Typhoon in 2006 and Improvement of Typhoon Forecast

2006년 태풍 특징과 태풍 예보의 개선방향

  • Cha, Eun-Jeong (Typhoon and Asian Dust Team, Korea Meteorological Administration) ;
  • Lee, Kyung-Hi (Typhoon and Asian Dust Team, Korea Meteorological Administration) ;
  • Park, Yun-Ho (Typhoon and Asian Dust Team, Korea Meteorological Administration) ;
  • Park, Jong-Sook (Typhoon and Asian Dust Team, Korea Meteorological Administration) ;
  • Shim, Jae-Kwan (Typhoon and Asian Dust Team, Korea Meteorological Administration) ;
  • In, Hee-Jin (Typhoon and Asian Dust Team, Korea Meteorological Administration) ;
  • Yoo, Hee-Dong (Typhoon and Asian Dust Team, Korea Meteorological Administration) ;
  • Kwon, Heok-Joe (Department of Atmospheric Science, Kongju National University) ;
  • Shin, Do-Shick (Forecast Operations Team, Korea Meteorological Administration)
  • Received : 2007.05.27
  • Accepted : 2007.09.06
  • Published : 2007.09.30

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to summarize tropical cyclone activity in 2006. Twenty three tropical cyclones of tropical storm (TS) intensity or higher formed in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in 2006. The total number is less than the thirty-year (1971~2000) average frequency of 26.7. Out of twenty three tropical cyclones, fifteen cyclones reached typhoon (TY) intensity, while the rest eight cyclones only reached severe tropical storm (STS) and tropical storm (TS) intensity - three STS and five TS storms. The tropical cyclone season in 2006 began in May with the formation of CHANCHU (0601). The convective activity was slightly inactive around the Philippines from late June to early August. In addition, subtropical high was more enhanced than normal over the south of Japan from May to early August. Consequently, most tropical cyclones formed over the sea east of the Philippines after late June, and many of them moved westwards to China. CHANCHU (0601), BILIS (0604), KAEMI (0605), PRAPIROON (0606) and SAOMI (0608) brought damage to China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. On the other hand, EWINIAR (0603) moved northwards and hit the Republic of Korea, causing damage to the country. From late August to early September, convective activity was temporarily inactive over the sea east of the Philippines. However, it turned active again after late September. Subtropical high was weak over the south of Japan after late August. Therefore, most tropical cyclones formed over the sea east of the Philippines and moved northwards. WUKONG (0610) and SHANSHAN (0613) hit Japan to bring damage to the country. On the other hand, XANGSANE (0615) and CIMARON (0619) moved westwards in the South China Sea, causing damage to the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Another special feature in 2006 tropical cyclone activity is that IOKE (0612) formed in the central North Pacific crossed 180 degree longitude and moved into the western North Pacific. It has been four years since HUKO (0224) in 2002.

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