StormTrack has a very nice explanation of hurricane eyewall replacement cycles. These cycles are one of the reasons why a storm can quickly go from Cat 5 to Cat 3 to Cat 5 again.
On the topic of hurricanes, I’d like to see a calculation of the thermodynamic efficiency of the things. Of course, one would first have to come up with suitable definitions of input and output.
I’d also love to hear about good books on the physics of hurricanes. Not at the level of a meteorology major, but not for the masses, either. Actually, recommendations on a Meteorology 101 book would be appreciated, too — the kind of book that a college student who is going to major in meteorology would buy for his first class in the major.
If you are seeking meteorology text, I might recommend Weather Analysis by Dusan Djuric. It is the required text for my weather analysis class. It contains a broad range of information, with chapters devoted to kinematics, and essentials of atmospheric thermodynamics.