Abstract
In Philippines, most of the tropical cyclones being investigated are those typhoons having landfall in Luzon of which located in the northern part. Physical mechanisms that could influence typhoon’s associated rainfall, track and intensity might be already known. Investigation of typhoons having landfall in Mindanao, the southern part of the Philippines gradually increased yet still very limited. An understanding of typhoons that affecting Mindanao is still of a challenge for it is not yet thoroughly investigated. This study intends to simulate the Super Typhoon Bopha using the Weather Research Forecasting model (WRF) to investigate the effect of the topography on the amount and rainfall distribution. It also looks for the horizontal winds, vertical winds and convergence as a consequence of orographic lifting. Another aim of this study is to look for the suitable combination of convective cumulus parameterization (CU) and microphysics parameterization schemes for the simulation of an accurate track of the Super Typhoon Bopha. Results show that 110- 140 mm of rainfall was augmented over the mountain range that causes more damage in nearby areas. Mt. Tagubod in Davao Oriental have the ability to enhance the orographic precipitation of a typhoon. High terrain such as mountain plays an important role in enhancing precipitation especially during the onset of the typhoon.
Keywords: Horizontal Wind, Orographic Lifting, Topography, Vertical Wind.