Physical Geography

Tropical cyclone hazards analysis based on tropical cyclone potential impact index

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  • 1. Beijing Climate Center, Beijing 100081, China;
    2. Institute of Atmospheric Physics, CAS, Beijing 100029, China
Xiao Fengjin (1973–), Ph.D and Associate Professor, specialized in the study of meteorological disasters and risk assessment. E-mail: xiaofj@cma.gov.cn

Received date: 2011-01-25

  Revised date: 2011-02-22

  Online published: 2011-10-03

Supported by

National Science & Technology Pillar Program during the 11th Five-Year Plan Period, No.2007BAC29B05; No.2008BAK50B02

Abstract

Tropical cyclone, a high energy destructive meteorological system with heavy rainfall and gale triggered massive landslides and windstorms, poses a significant threat to coastal areas. In this paper we have developed a Tropical Cyclone Potential Impact Index (TCPI) based on the air mass trajectories, disaster information, intensity, duration, and frequency of tropical cyclones. We analyzed the spatial pattern and interannual variation of the TCPI over the period 1949–2009, and taking the Super Typhoon Saomai as an example have examined the relationship between the TCPI and direct economic losses, total rainfall, and maximum wind speed. The results reveal that China's TCPI appears to be a weak decreasing trend over the period, which is not significant overall, but significant in some periods. Over the past 20 years, the TCPI decreased in the southern China coastal provinces of Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi, while it increased in the southeastern coastal provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian and Taiwan. The highest values of TCPI are mainly observed in Taiwan, Hainan, the coastal areas of Guangdong and Fujian and Zhejiang’s southern coast. The TCPI has a good correlation (P=0.01) with direct economic loss, rainfall, and maximum wind speed.

Cite this article

XIAO Fengjin, YIN Yizhou, LUO Yong, SONG Lianchun, YE Dianxiu . Tropical cyclone hazards analysis based on tropical cyclone potential impact index[J]. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 2011 , 21(5) : 791 -800 . DOI: 10.1007/s11442-011-0880-3

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