G.R. Gupta’s scientific contributions

From dynamical considerations, the maximum wind speed in a tropical cyclone depends upon the pressure gradient, the range with respect to the storm centre, and the air density at the spot at which the maximum wind occurs inside the storm. It is nearly impossible to obtain direct measurements of these parameters in the cyclones because of their violent nature. A more practical approach is provided by the relation between the maximum winds and the central pressures in the storms. In the present paper the relationship between maximum wind speed and the minimum sea level pressure in cyclonic storms occurring in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea has been studied with the help of the available observations from ships, recoanaissance aircraft and the coastal stations. On the basis of these data, best fit equation for the maximum wind speeds applicable for the Indian Seas has been expirically derived.