Wind estimation around the shipwreck of Oriental Star based on field damage surveys and radar observations.

ABSTRACT: Based on observational analyses and on-site ground and aerial damage surveys, this work aims to reveal the weather phenomena-especially the wind situation-when Oriental Star capsized in the Yangtze River on June 1, 2015. Results demonstrate that the cruise ship capsized when it encountered strong winds at speeds of at least 31 m s^-1 near the apex of a bow echo embedded in a squall line. As suggested by the fallen trees within a 2-km radius around the wreck location, such strong winds were likely caused by microburst straight-line wind and/or embedded small vortices, rather than tornadoes.

SUBMITTER: Meng Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4752576 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature