Analyzing tropical cyclone tracks of North Indian Ocean

Abstract

Cyclones are regarded as one of the most dangerous meteorological phenomena of the tropical region. The probability of landfall of a tropical cyclone depends on its movement (trajectory). Analysis of trajectories of tropical cyclones could be useful for identifying potentially predictable characteristics. In this study, tropical cyclone tracks over the North Indian Ocean basin have been analyzed and grouped into clusters based on their spatial characteristics. For the identified clusters we have also examined characteristics such as life span, maximum sustained wind speed, landfall, seasonality. The resultant clusters are forming clear groupings on some of these characteristics. The cyclones with higher maximum wind speed and longest life span are grouped in to one cluster. Another cluster includes short duration cyclonic events that are mostly deep depressions and significant for rainfall over Eastern and Central India. The clustering approach is likely to prove useful for analysis of events of significance with regard to impacts.