This study examines the influence of Hallasan Mountain (Hallasan) on the track and intensity of two Typhoons, Soulik in 2018 and Chaba in 2016, which passed to the left and right of Hallasan, respectively, using a coupled ocean-atmosphere model. We de...
This study examines the influence of Hallasan Mountain (Hallasan) on the track and intensity of two Typhoons, Soulik in 2018 and Chaba in 2016, which passed to the left and right of Hallasan, respectively, using a coupled ocean-atmosphere model. We designed three experiments: one with Hallasan's actual altitude, another with the mountain removed, and a third where Hallasan's altitude was doubled. Results showed that Hallasan had a negligible impact on the tracks of both typhoons. Regarding intensity, however, the central pressure of both typhoons increased (indicating weakening) by up to 2 hPa due to Hallasan; the maximum wind speeds initially increased (Soulik by 1 m/s, Chaba by 3 m/s) and then decreased (Soulik by 1 m/s, Chaba by 5 m/s). These results show that Hallasan does not significantly weaken the intensity of typhoons approaching the Korean Peninsula, but considering the average intensity change (–3.45 hPa) of past typhoons that passed to the left of Jeju Island in terms of central pressure, Hallasan makes a noteworthy contribution. Additionally, this study reveals that changes in typhoon winds due to the wind convergence caused by Hallasan's topography can alter ocean vertical mixing and sea surface cooling, further impacting typhoon intensity. This finding underscores the importance of using a coupled ocean-atmosphere model when studying the impact of topography on typhoons.