Tropical cyclones rank among the most economically destructive natural disasters, making it crucial to understand their formation and movement for effective disaster management, early warning systems, and preparedness. Prof. Jung-Eun Chu, Assistant Professor at the School of Energy and Environment (SEE), City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), has led a research team in a recent study that sheds light on the interaction between tropical cyclone genesis and large-scale environmental factors—particularly tropical easterly waves (TEWs) on a global scale, a topic that has remained underexplored.

Published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science (link), the study, titled “Global coupled dynamics of tropical easterly waves and tropical cyclone genesis,” reveals that TEWs significantly influence 22–71% of global tropical cyclone formation, with the strongest impact observed in the North Atlantic (71%) and Western Pacific (54%).

“This study marks the first comprehensive analysis of TEW activity on a global scale,” said Prof. Chu. The research evaluates how TEWs affect both the intensity and trajectory of tropical cyclones worldwide. “By employing a combined thermodynamic and dynamic framework, we were able to effectively identify and analyze TEWs.” added Ms. Xueqing Du, the study’s lead author and a PhD student at CityUHK.

Moving forward, Prof. Chu’s team plans to investigate the predictability of TEWs, which could enhance climate resilience in tropical regions vulnerable to cyclones.