Perturbation Energetics of the December 2022 Bomb Cyclone over North America

Bomb cyclones over land are an understudied phenomenon. As such, there are open questions about the underlying physical processes, for example, why do bomb cyclones stop deepening. Atmospheric energetics is a prevalent approach to solve such problems, however the commonly used method of Available Potential Energy is not valid at local scales. Therefore, this study aims to provide further insight into the life cycle of bomb cyclones, specifically over land, by conducting a case study of the bomb cyclone that occurred over North America at the end of December 2022, focusing on the energetics using the Perturbation Potential Energy (PPE) framework. Hourly ERA5 reanalysis data provides the improved time resolution needed to study the evolution of such a rapidly developing system. PPE analysis of the evolution of this bomb cyclone reveals a possible stop signal to the positive feedback loop associated with explosive deepening. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanics associated with this thermodynamic signal.