Origin and Propagation of a Disturbance Associated with an African Easterly Wave as a Precursor of Hurricane Alberto (2000)

In this study, it is proposed that mesoscale convective complexes (MCCs) and a mesovortex (MV) were embedded within a wavelike disturbance over North Africa that led to the genesis of Hurricane Alberto (2000). The wavelike disturbance observed may be classified as an African easterly wave (AEW). Based on the cloud-top area and brightness values observed from infrared satellite data, four genesis and three lysis stages are identified within a cycle of moist convection associated with the pre-Alberto disturbance. The availability of water vapor is the most essential factor controlling the convective cycle of the pre-Alberto disturbance over the African continent. The presence of significant topography also contributes to the generation or decay of the associated MCCs through regulation of the water vapor supply. Further analysis of Meteosat satellite imagery reveals that the incipient disturbances for 23 of 34 eastern Atlantic tropical cyclones originated from the Ethiopian highlands (EH) region du...