2025 Internship Project Overview

This project aimed to determine whether tropical cyclone (TC) development is correlated with the solar radiative cycle of day and night. Current research suggests that atmospheric convection may influence these diurnal cycles, but little is understood specifically about cyclone radiation interactions.

Through robust statistical analysis of a global hurricane track dataset, results indicate that a true diurnal cycle does exist for TC genesis and intensification. This outcome was replicated using global climate model data. Finding consistent results across observation and climate models strengthens the idea that TCs have an inherent diurnal behavior. Hourly satellite radiation data for post-2000 hurricanes was also analyzed to evaluate the diurnal cycles. Continued research is necessary to support a robust explanation for the radiative influences on TC diurnal behavior.

Understanding hurricane energetics as it relates to radiation strengthens the current understanding of TC development, which can improve climate models and help predict the effects of increasing global warming on extreme weather events.

ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP

The Vecchi Research Group, Department of Geosciences, Princeton University

LOCATION

Princeton, New Jersey

 

Interns

Erin Yoo ’26
Major: Physics
Minor(s): Statistics and Machine Learning
"I gained many technical skills in data analysis, applied statistics, python, data visualization, and bash commands. The most interesting part was learning how many different ways I could apply the scientific method to my research question, which made me a better scientist overall. I will continue this research into my senior thesis and am considering pursuing a Ph.D. in climate research."

Click to view the end-of-project presentation

 

Gabriel Vecchi
Knox Taylor Professor of Geosciences, Professor in the High Meadows Environmental Institute

Mentors

  • Gabriel Rios, Ph.D. Candidate, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences