NONTROPICAL,SUBT., T. LOWS-WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

[john186292]

never yet gotten a good definition of the difference. Some say it is not just where it began that matters. So, is it the warmth of the core? is it the pulling upward of droplets of hot water?

Three kinds to differentiate. Note that.

I think many mets are confused about this, since i got contradictory answers a year ago by email from tv mets.

A different term sure needs to be adopted by the intl. met assoc's. Tropical, to the public, means a part of the globe.

If a tropical system does NOT have geography as the essence of its existential definition, then the term "tropical" is being used in two different ways. BAD! STUPID!
STAY POSITIVE, LOL,
John New Orleans

[vbhoutex]

I can help some here. First of all Tropical, Sub-tropical, etc. has nothing to do with Geography. It has to do with the whether the system has a warm core center or cold core center. My terminology may not be exactly right but the concept is there.
A tropical low is purely a warm core center, basically with temps in the center at 80º or better generally(water and/or air). The convection associated with the disturbance is generally is concentrated around the center of circulation. It is a venting system to transport warm air to the higher atmosphere from the tropics.
A subtropical system is a cold core system with the center temps generally below 80º and the convection is usually well displaced from the center of circulation.
Extratropical systems are cold core and were formerly tropical systems that have transitioned to cold core and become embedded in another system such as a trough moving off shore.
I'm sure some of our professional mets can add or subtract from this to make it more correct but I think I have the general facts right.

[CocoaBill]

This page will give you the differences..........

http://geog-www.sbs.ohio-state.edu/cour ... o/ch12.htm

[caneflyer]

NHC's operational definitions can be found here:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml

[john186292]

You guys are great!

Especially vhoubtex, in houston.

I have still, to go to the links.

Seems fm what vhoub said, that the essence of essences is the warm core.

I have long inferred, that being "tropical" implied a greater threat to people. I have been roughly thinking of the tropical status as sort of an "afterburner". Now, I would more specifically say that a warm core adds to the energy available to the thing.

Mets who say t. characteristics with an "s", are impling that all the thre traits vhoub mentioned, always happen together. I think not. I think one and only one trait should be the defining essence for "tropical." But, maybe I just need to go read those fine links before i say anything more! LOL
KEEP SMILING,
JOHN NEW ORLEANS

[ColdFront77]

Subtropical storms are usually larger in area and can be associated with a fairly good amount of rain and gusty winds.