Recent Progress in the Fundamental Understanding of Tropical Cyclone Motion

Abstract

While the fundamental understanding of the movement of a tropical cyclone (TC) is fairly mature, there are still notable advancements being made. This paper summarizes new concepts and updates on existing fundamental theories on TC movement obtained from simplified barotropic models, full-physics models, and data analysis particularly since 2014. It includes the recent works on the interaction of the TC with its environment and the fundamental aspects of predictability related to TC movement. The conventional concepts of the steering flow, β-gyre, and diabatic heating remain important. Yet, a more complete understanding of mechanisms governing TC movement serves as an important basis toward the further improvement of track forecasts.