2007 Vol. 13, No. 1

INSTABILITY OF THE TELECONNECTION OF SUMMER RAINFALLS BETWEEN NORTH CHINA AND INDIA
2007, 13(1): 1-7.
Abstract(1307) PDF [545KB](1117)
Abstract:
Summer rainfall variations in North China closely relate to that in India. It seems that an alternation of signs of" , -, " exists in the geographical pattern of the correlation in summer rainfall from North China to India through the Tibetan Plateau. However, it appears that the teleconnection of summer rainfall variations between North China and India is unstable. Over 1945 - 1974, the correlation coefficient (hereafter as CC) is as large as 0.7. In contrast, the CC is about -0.3 over 1827-1856. Further studies, based on observations starting from 1813, showed that the correlation is strong when summer rainfalls in both North China and India are large, and vice versa. In order to find what induce the change of the teleconnection, variations of summer rainfall in both North China and India, mean sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific and the frequency of ENSO events were examined in relation to the change of the teleconnection. The result showed that the teleconnection appears weak when the mean SST is high and the frequency of La Ni(n)a events is low; the teleconnection is strong when the mean SST is low and the frequency of La Ni(n)a events is high. At last, it is notable that La Ni(n)a happens in only 3 years during the recent 30 years from 1976 to 2005 and the teleconnection becomes weak too.
ATMOSPHERIC BOUNDARY LAYER CONCEPT MODEL OF THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AND ITS APPLICATION
2007, 13(1): 8-13.
Abstract(1471) PDF [332KB](1737)
Abstract:
Based on the geographical circumstance, climate and the boundary layer meteorology features of the Pearl River Delta, a boundary layer concept model of the Pearl River Delta was built. The concept model consists of four fundamental factors that affect the boundary layer meteorology of the Pearl River Delta and can convincingly explain the reason of the air quality change in the Pearl River Delta. The model can be used to the diffusion capability analysis, the air pollution potential forecasting or haze forecasting, etc.
A THREE-DIMENSIONAL NUMERICAL STUDY ON DENSE FOG OVER MOUNTAINOUS AREAS
2007, 13(1): 17-20.
Abstract(1232) PDF [294KB](1118)
Abstract:
Using the non-hydrostatic meso-scale model MM5v3, dense fog that occurred from March 7 to March 8, 2001 over the Mts. Nanling area was studied. With integrated field experiments and observations, the occurrence, development and lift mechanism of fog were analyzed. The results indicate that before the coming of stratiform clouds, southerly warm and wet air ascended along mountainside and cooling condensation formed mountain fog. Then fog was formed by the stratiform on cloud-contacting mountaintop. A front inversion layer accelerated the development and extended the duration of the lower cloud and fog. The intensity, occurrence time, mass content and the variation of temperature and relative humidity of the fog agreed with those of the observation. It showed that the meso-scale model has the potential to forecast mountain fog.
INFLUENCE FACTORS AND PREDICTION METHOD ON FLOOD/DROUGHT DURING THE ANNUALLY FIRST RAINY SEASON IN SOUTH CHINA
2007, 13(1): 25-28.
Abstract(1271) PDF [277KB](1069)
Abstract:
By using the significance test of two-dimensional wind field anomalies and Monte Carlo simulation experiment scheme, the significance features of wind field anomalies are investigated in relation to flood/drought during the annually first rainy season in south China. Results show that western Pacific subtropical high and wind anomalies over the northeast of Lake Baikal and central Indian Ocean are important factors. Wind anomalies over the northern India in January and the northwest Pacific in March may be strong prediction signals. Study also shows that rainfall in south China bears a close relation to the geopotential height filed over the northern Pacific in March.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AUTUMN INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE MODE AND THE STRENGTH OF SCS SUMMER MONSOON
2007, 13(1): 29-32.
Abstract(1396) PDF [303KB](1149)
Abstract:
Based on 1948 - 2004 monthly Reynolds Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and NCEP/NCAR atmospheric reanalysis data, the relationships between autumn Indian Ocean Dipole Mode (IODM) and the strength of South China Sea (SCS) Summer Monsoon are investigated through the EOF and smooth correlation methods. The results are as the following. (1) There are two dominant modes of autumn SSTA over the tropical Indian Ocean. They are the uniformly signed basin-wide mode (USBM) and Indian Ocean dipole mode (IODM), respectively. The SSTA associated with USBM are prevailing decadal to interdecadal variability characterized by a unanimous pattern, while the IODM mainly represents interannual variability of SSTA. (2) When positive (negative) IODM exists over the tropical Indian Ocean during the preceding fall,the SCS summer monsoon will be weak (strong). The negative correlation between the interannual variability of IODM and that of SCS summer monsoon is significant during the warm phase of long-term trend but insignificant during the cool phase. (3) When the SCS summer monsoon is strong (weak), the IODM will be in its positive (negative) phase during the following fall season. The positive correlation between the interannual variability of SCS summer monsoon and that of IODM is significant during both the warm and cool phase of the long-term trend, but insignificant during the transition between the two phases.
COMPARISONS BETWEEN DOPPLER AND SIMULATED FEATURES OF A SUPERCELL
2007, 13(1): 37-40.
Abstract(1374) PDF [256KB](1079)
Abstract:
Firstly, typical features of a supercell, which occurred in Guangzhou on August 11, 2004, are discussed by using the new generation weather radar data. V-notch, finger-echo, weak echo region, overhang and echo-wall are observed from reflectivity products. A vertical cross section of the radial velocity is made along the direction of the low-level inflow and across the maximum reflectivity core, which displays a part of strong updraft and downdraft. Secondly, a 3-D convective storm model is used to simulate the supercell. The maximum reflectivity and the core thickness of the simulated radar echo are 75 dBz and 14km, respectively. These values are more than the counterparts that are detected by radar. The reason is that attenuation is not calculated in the model. The wind field structure is also given when the storm is the strongest. Divergence, caused by thunderstorm outflow, is in the low level. In the middle and high level, convergence is dominant, but the plume is not simulated at the top. Finally, the evolution of the simulated vertical motion is documented. The interaction between the environmental wind and the updraft, which is formed by the convergence on the ground at the beginning, makes the storm stronger. Then, downdraft occurs and grows. When it becomes dominant, the supercell collapses.
SOUTHWEST MONSOON SURGE AND ITS WEATHER IMPACT
2007, 13(1): 41-44.
Abstract(1210) PDF [137KB](1206)
Abstract:
The sustained rainfall process on May 13-22, 2004 was one of the pre-summer rainy periods in the south of China. It was related with the genesis and development of a SW monsoon surge over the Bay of Bengal. From the synoptic analysis it is found that the genesis and development of the SW monsoon surge may be divided approximately into the initial, developing and decaying stages. During the rainfall the Southern Hemisphere cross-equatorial flow over the Indian Ocean plays a triggering role.
SPATIAL/TEMPORAL FEATURES OF DROUGHT/FLOOD IN FUJIAN FOR THE PAST FOUR DECADES
2007, 13(1): 45-48.
Abstract(1266) PDF [154KB](1061)
Abstract:
41a (1961 - 2001) seasonal Z index series of 25 representative weather stations are investigated by virtue of EOF, FFT, continuous wavelet transformation (CWT) and orthogonal wavelet transformation (OWT). It shows that (1) Fujian drought/flood (DF) has a significant 2 - 3a cycle for the periods 1965 -1975 and 1990's; (2) the pattern, which represents the opposite DF trend between the southern and northern parts, has 1a and 3 - 4a cycles since the middle of 1980's; (3) EOF3, which denotes the reverse change between the middle-west region and other areas, has significant 1 - 2a cycle for the period from 1985 to 1998 and 9 - 13a cycle since 1980s; (4) there is an obvious drought trend for the last 40a (especially in the 1990's), which is more outstanding in the south (east) than in the north (west); (5) the 1960's and 1980's are in relatively wet phases and the 1970's and 1990's are in drought spells.
STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES ACTIVITY OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC IN 2004 AND THE CAUSATION
2007, 13(1): 49-52.
Abstract(1388) PDF [191KB](938)
Abstract:
In this paper, we summarized the characteristics of tropical cyclones (TC) activity over the western North Pacific in 2004 and analyzed their causation. Compared with the normal, the annual frequency of TC in 2004 was slightly higher, tropical cyclones in 2004 had a longer life span and occurred in a concentrated period, the source of TC were situated eastward; in all tracks of TC, the recurvature tracks took up larger proportion, the landfall regions of TC were located northward, which concentrated from East China to Japan. The primary causes were revealed as follows. Firstly, the intensity and area of the western North Pacific subtropical high was stronger and larger than usual respectively, and its ridge was frequently in the form of cells and stretched northwestward. Secondly, the convergence of intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) was reinforced and the convergence zone moved more eastward than average. Thirdly, the meridionality of the westerlies was larger than average and the cell-shaped ridge formed a saddle region, which is in favor of TC northward motion and recurature.
THE EFFECT OF WARM POOL THERMAL STATES ON TROPICAL CYCLONES IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC
2007, 13(1): 53-56.
Abstract(1223) PDF [426KB](1304)
Abstract:
The influence of thermal states in the warm pool on tropical cyclones (TCs) in the western North Pacific (WNP) is investigated. There are fewer typhoons during warm years of the warm pool in which tropical storms tend to form in the northwest quadrant and move westward. Inversely, typhoons tend to recurve northeastward to the southeast of Japan and increase in number in the southeast quadrant during cold years. Based on composite analyses, circulation-induced dynamic factors rather than thermal factors are identified as being responsible for TCs activities. During the warm state, the monsoon trough retreats westwards, which leads to anomalous vorticity in low-level and divergence in high-level in the western part of west Pacific. Above-normal TCs activity is found in this area. Furthermore, wind anomalies at 500 hPa determine the main track types. On the contrary, when the warm pool is in cold state, the atmospheric circulation is responsible for the formation of more TCs in the southeast quadrant and recurving track.
THE EAST ASIAN SUBTROPICAL SUMMER MONSOON INDEX AND ITS RELATION WITH THE CLIMATE ANOMALIES IN CHINA
2007, 13(1): 57-60.
Abstract(1365) PDF [378KB](1161)
Abstract:
A new East Asian subtropical summer monsoon circulation index is defined, where the barotropic and baroclinic components of circulation are included. Results show that this index can well indicate the interannual variability of summer precipitation and temperature anomalies in China. A strong monsoon is characterized by more rainfall in the Yellow River basin and northern China, less rainfall in the Yangtze River basin, and more rainfall in south and southeast China, in association with higher temperature in most areas of China. Furthermore, comparison is made between the index proposed in this paper and other monsoon indexes in representing climate anomalies in China.
DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION OF SIMULATION BIAS WITH THE GRAPES-MESO MODEL FOR A TORRENTIAL RAIN CASE
2007, 13(1): 69-72.
Abstract(1497) PDF [280KB](1151)
Abstract:
In this paper, the numerical simulation bias of the non-hydrostatic version GRAPES-Meso (Mesoscale of the Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction System) at the resolution of 0.18o for a torrential rain case, which happened in May 31st to June 1st 2005 over Hunan province, are diagnosed and investigated by using the radiosondes, intensive surface observation, and the operational global analysis data, and the sensitivity experimental results as well. It is shown in the result that the GRAPES-Meso could reproduce quite well the main features of large-cale circulation and the distribution of the accumulated 24h precipitation and the key locations of the torrential rainfall are captured reasonably well by the model. However, bias exist in the simulation of the mesoscale features of the torrential rain and details of the relevant systems, for example, the simulated rainfall that is too earlier in model integration and remarkable underprediction of the peak value of rainfall rates over the heaviest rainfall region, the weakness of the upper jet simulation and the overprediction of the south-west wind in the lower troposphere etc. The investigation reveals that the sources of the simulation bias are different. The erroneous model rainfall in the earlier integration stage over the heaviest rainfall region is induced by the model initial condition bias of the wind field at about 925hPa over the torrential rainfall region, where the bias grow rapidly and spread upward to about 600hPa level within the few hours into the integration and result in abnormal convergence of the wind and moisture, and thus the unreal rainfall over that region. The large bias on the simulated rainfall intensity over the heaviest rainfall region might be imputed to the following combined factors of (1) the simulation bias on the strength and detailed structures of the upper-level jet core which bring about significant underpredictions of the dynamic conditions (including upper-level divergence and the upward motion) for heavy rainfall due to unfavorable mesoscale vertical coupling between the strong upper-level divergence and lower-level convergence; and (2) the inefficient coupling of the cumulous parameterization scheme and the explicit moisture in the integration, which causes the failure of the explicit moisture scheme in generating grid-scale rainfall in a certain extent through inadequate convective adjustment and feedback to the grid-scale. In addition, the interaction of the combined two factors could form a negative feedback to the rainfall intensity simulation, and eventually lead to the obvious underprediction of the rainfall rate.
NUMERICAL EXPERIMENTS OF EFFECT OF SSTA OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN ON ATMOSPHERIC LOW-FREQUENCY OSCILLATION IN THE EXTRATROPICAL LATITUDE
2007, 13(1): 73-76.
Abstract(1383) PDF [70KB](1075)
Abstract:
Numerical experiments on forcing dissipation and heating response of dipole (unipole) are carried out using global spectral models with quasi-geostrophic barotropic vorticity equations. For each experiment model integration is run for 90 days on the condition of three-wave quasi-resonance. The results are given as follows: Under the effects of dipole (unipole) forcing source and basic flow intensity, there exist strong interactions among the three planetary waves and quasi-biweekly and intraseasonal oscillation of the three planetary waves. In the meantime, the changes in the intensity of dipole or unipole forcing source and basic flow have different frequency modulation effects on LFO in the middle and higher latitudes. The results of the stream function field of three quasi-resonant waves evolving with time confirm that the low-frequency oscillation exists in extratropical latitude.
STUDY ON THE VISIBILITY REDUCTION CAUSED BY ATMOSPHERIC HAZE IN GUANGZHOU AREA
2007, 13(1): 77-80.
Abstract(1513) PDF [63KB](1561)
Abstract:
In recent years the pollution of aerosol is getting worse and worse in Guangzhou area. The haze weather mainly occurs from October to April of the following year, resulting in visibility deterioration.From the beginning of the 1980's the visibility dramatically deteriorated, obviously increasing haze weather,in which there are three big fluctuations, respectively showing the periods of pollution of dust, sulphate and dust, fine particle from photochemical process and sulphate and dust accompanying the development of economy. The long-term tendency of visibility caused by fog and light fog does not have the tendency due to human activity or economical development and the variation mainly show the inner interannual and interdecadal variation of climate. The deterioration of visibility has close relation to the fine particles in Guangzhou area, with half of PM10 surpassing the limits set by national second graded standard, meanwhile,all values of PM2.5 rise above the day-mean limits of American national standard, indicating very high fine particle concentration. The ratio of PM2.5 to PM10 is also very high, reaching 62% - 69%, especially higher in dry seasons than in rainy seasons.
A REVIEW OF THE ANALYSIS OF MOISTURE VARIABLES AND THE APPLICATION IN NUMERICAL MODELS
2007, 13(1): 81-84.
Abstract(1288) PDF [58KB](1183)
Abstract:
The application of the explicit microphysical process in the high-resolution mesoscale numerical models makes it necessary to analyze the moisture variables such as the cloud water, cloud ice and rain water to initialize the explicit predicted fields. While the inclusion of moisture variables in initial fields can influence the whole performance of the model significantly, it can also reduce the spin-up time and increase the short-term forecasting ability of the model since the dynamical fields become more accordant with the thermodynamic fields. Now the increase of the observing ability and the abundance of the data promote the development of ways to analyze the moisture variables. A review of some methods to analyze the moisture variables is presented, and the situation and problems of the application in the numerical models are also discussed in this paper.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCS SUMMER MONSOON INTENSITY AND OCEANIC THERMODYNAMIC VARIABLES AT DIFFERENT TIME SCALE
2007, 13(1): 85-88.
Abstract(1402) PDF [859KB](1446)
Abstract:
The oscillation characteristics of 1948 - 2003 South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon intensity (SCSSMI) is analyzed by wavelet transform and the relationship between SCSSMI filtered by Lanczos filter at different time scale and oceanic thermal conditions is studied. The results show that SCSSMI exhibits dominant interannual (about 4 a), decadal (about 9 a) and interdecadal (about 38 a) oscillation periods. The interannual variation is the strongest and the interdecadal variation the weakest. The region of significant correlation between SCS summer monsoon intensity and oceanic thermodynamic variables at different time scale is greatly different. Significant correlation area of interannual variation of SCSSMI is concentrated in near equatorial region. Corresponding correlation displays quasi-biannual variability. If positive anomalies of SST and the depth of thermocline happen in eastern equatorial Indian Ocean and western equatorial Pacific, and negative anomalies of SST and the depth ofthermocline happen in western equatorial Indian Ocean and eastern equatorial Pacific in previous autumn and winter, the interannual variation of SCSSMI will enhance. If the condition is contrary, interannual variation of SCSSMI will weaken. The interannual variation of SCSSMI will influence SST. The region surrounding SCS and east of Australia shows significantly negative correlation in autumn, and significantly positive correlation exhibits in west equatorial Indian Ocean, eastern equatorial Pacific and equatorial Atlantic in winter. The decadal variation of SCSSMI is modulated by PDO. Interdecadal variation of SCSSMI is relevant to the global warming and PDO.
THE MESOSCALE WAVES AND THE FORMATION OF POLYGONAL EYE WALL IN TYPHOONS
2007, 13(1): 89-92.
Abstract(1446) PDF [133KB](1104)
Abstract:
Mesoscale waves in typhoons were diagnosed by using a simulated typhoon data in this paper. Through analyzing the structure of the waves in typhoons, we found that the waves possess the mixed features of gravity inertial waves and vortex Rossby waves. On the one hand, positive geopotential height perturbation is corresponding to negative vorticity perturbation and anticyclonic circulation. At the same time, negative geopotential height perturbation is corresponding to positive vorticity perturbation and cyclonic circulation. The maximum perturbation occurs near the radius of the maximum wind in the typhoon. On the other hand, the mesoscale waves possess the features of strong convergence and divergence and ageostrophic wind. Finally, the authors presented a concept model to explain a linkage mechanism between the mesoscale waves and the formation of polygonal eye wall in the typhoon.
DIAGNOSES OF THE SEVERE DROUGHT OVER YUNNAN AREA IN THE EARLY SUMMER OF 2005
2007, 13(1): 93-96.
Abstract(1211) PDF [179KB](1145)
Abstract:
High temperature and drought occurred in Yunnan province during the late spring and early summer in 2005, which was the most severe event in this region since 1950's. Based on the observational data and relevant diagnoses, this extreme weather event was studied and discussed. The results show that the occurrence of this event could be due to the following observational facts that happened in 2005. (1) The seasonal adjustment of middle-high-leveled atmospheric circulation was delayed. (2) The cold air activity center was deviated north. (3) The onset of summer monsoon over South China Sea was delayed. (4) The tropical convection activity was much weaker than usual. (5) The subtropical high over the western Pacific was located southwestwards and relatively strong.
DOWNSCALING FORECAST OF MONTHLY PRECIPITATION OVER GUANGXI BASED ON BP NEURAL NETWORK MODEL
2007, 13(1): 97-100.
Abstract(1316) PDF [57KB](1156)
Abstract:
Variables fields such as enstrophy, meridional-wind and zonal-wind variables are derived from monthly 500 hPa geopotential height anomalous fields. In this work, we select original predictors from monthly 500-hPa geopotential height anomalous fields and their variables in June of 1958 - 2001, and determine comprehensive predictors by conducting empirical orthogonal function (EOF) respectively with the original predictors. A downscaling forecast model based on the back propagation (BP) neural network is built by use of the comprehensive predictors to predict the monthly precipitation in June over Guangxi with the monthly dynamic extended range forecast products. For comparison, we also build another BP neural network model with the same predictands by using the former comprehensive predictors selected from 500-hPa geopotential height anomalous fields in May to December of 1957 - 2000 and January to April of 1958 - 2001. The two models are tested and results show that the precision of superposition of the downscaling model is better than that of the one based on former comprehensive predictors, but the prediction accuracy of the downscaling model depends on the output of monthly dynamic extended range forecast.
A CHARACTERISTIC CORRELATION ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE ASIA SUMMER MONSOON MEMBERS AND THE WEST PACIFIC SUBTROPICAL HIGH
2007, 13(1): 101-104.
Abstract(1338) PDF [50KB](1316)
Abstract:
In this paper, by using the pentad-mean NCAR/NCEP reanalysis data for the period of 1958-1997, some characteristic indices of describing the activity of Asian summer monsoon system members are defined and calculated. Based on the above works, a time-lag correlation analysis method is introduced for the correlation analysis between the Asian summer monsoon system and the west Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) area index, and some meaningful interaction processes and characteristic phenomena between them are revealed and discussed accordingly. It is shown that there exists some remarkable time-lag correlations in various degree between the Asian summer monsoon system members and the WPSH area index, and they interact and feedback with each other, which consists of the whole Asian summer monsoon system.