2019 Vol. 25, No. 2
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2019, 25(2): 141-152.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.001
Abstract:
In this study, fine structures of spiral rainbands in super Typhoon Chanchu (2006) are examined using an Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast (WRF-ARW) model simulation with the finest grid size of 2 km. Results show that the simulation reproduces well Typhoon Chanchu’s track, intensity and basic structures. According to their locations and features, spiral rainbands are classified into principal, secondary, inner and distant rainbands, and their dynamic and thermodynamic features are investigated. The principal rainbands remain quasi-stationary with respect to Chanchu’s center and exhibit a wavenumber-1 feature with their outer edges separated by dry air. The secondary rainbands that occur on the radially inward side of the principal rainbands move around Chanchu's center. The inner rainbands are closest to the center. They propagate both radially outward and azimuthally with time. The distant rainbands are located outside the inner-core region, and have stronger and continuous updrafts compared to the other rainbands. Distant rainbands are inward-sloping with height along the radial direction and have a cold pool in the low layers, whereas the principal and secondary rainbands lean radially outward with height. The inner rainbands do not show tilting with height along the radial direction. However, there are few vertical tilting cells along the azimuthal orientation among the four types of rainbands. The simulated radar reflectivity cores in all rainbands are collocated with the maxima of updrafts and equivalent potential temperatures in the low layer, indicating the important roles of energy supply in the boundary layer in determining the development of the rainband convection.
In this study, fine structures of spiral rainbands in super Typhoon Chanchu (2006) are examined using an Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast (WRF-ARW) model simulation with the finest grid size of 2 km. Results show that the simulation reproduces well Typhoon Chanchu’s track, intensity and basic structures. According to their locations and features, spiral rainbands are classified into principal, secondary, inner and distant rainbands, and their dynamic and thermodynamic features are investigated. The principal rainbands remain quasi-stationary with respect to Chanchu’s center and exhibit a wavenumber-1 feature with their outer edges separated by dry air. The secondary rainbands that occur on the radially inward side of the principal rainbands move around Chanchu's center. The inner rainbands are closest to the center. They propagate both radially outward and azimuthally with time. The distant rainbands are located outside the inner-core region, and have stronger and continuous updrafts compared to the other rainbands. Distant rainbands are inward-sloping with height along the radial direction and have a cold pool in the low layers, whereas the principal and secondary rainbands lean radially outward with height. The inner rainbands do not show tilting with height along the radial direction. However, there are few vertical tilting cells along the azimuthal orientation among the four types of rainbands. The simulated radar reflectivity cores in all rainbands are collocated with the maxima of updrafts and equivalent potential temperatures in the low layer, indicating the important roles of energy supply in the boundary layer in determining the development of the rainband convection.
2019, 25(2): 153-161.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.002
Abstract:
Based on NCEP/NCAR DOE daily reanalysis dataset during 1980-2015, this study investigates the boreal summer climatology and standard deviation of streamfunction in different low frequency periods (including 10-30 days, 30-60 days and more than 60 days) at 200 hPa. Distinctions in the characteristics in different periods are emphasized. It is found that the distribution of streamfunction on the timescale longer than 60 days is mainly zonal symmetric, accompanied by strong variability in the Northern Hemisphere subtropical jet streams. For the 10-30-day timescale, it reflects the zonal fluctuating structure in the middle and high latitudes and large variability in the Southern Hemisphere. Tropical quadrupole structure is observed on the 30-60-day timescale in climatology. Besides, a relative weak standard deviation is also found in this period. This work provides basic knowledge on climatology and variability in low-frequency streamfunction, which has not been fully illustrated in previous studies.
Based on NCEP/NCAR DOE daily reanalysis dataset during 1980-2015, this study investigates the boreal summer climatology and standard deviation of streamfunction in different low frequency periods (including 10-30 days, 30-60 days and more than 60 days) at 200 hPa. Distinctions in the characteristics in different periods are emphasized. It is found that the distribution of streamfunction on the timescale longer than 60 days is mainly zonal symmetric, accompanied by strong variability in the Northern Hemisphere subtropical jet streams. For the 10-30-day timescale, it reflects the zonal fluctuating structure in the middle and high latitudes and large variability in the Southern Hemisphere. Tropical quadrupole structure is observed on the 30-60-day timescale in climatology. Besides, a relative weak standard deviation is also found in this period. This work provides basic knowledge on climatology and variability in low-frequency streamfunction, which has not been fully illustrated in previous studies.
2019, 25(2): 171-179.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.004
Abstract:
This study simulated the moisture transport process of southern China annually first rainy season (SCAFRS) using a Lagrangian airflow trajectory model (Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory: HYSPLIT), to determine SCAFRS moisture transport characteristics and their relationship with South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM). It is found that the moisture transport paths and sources of SCAFRS are closely related to the onset of SCSSM. Divided by SCSSM onset dates, the moisture transport characteristics of SCAFRS are compared quantitatively. Before the onset of SCSSM, precipitation of SCAFRS mainly comes from western Pacific and eastern China. Their contributions are 24% and 25%, respectively. The amount of water vapor carried along the path coming from Bay of Bengal-South China Sea (BSC) is relatively high, but the contribution rate of this path to SCAFRS precipitation is relatively low. Mainly due to strong precipitation over Bay of Bengal before the onset of SCSSM, this region is a moisture sink, which makes most moisture deposit in this region and only a small portion of water vapor transported to southern China. After the onset of SCSSM, most water vapor is transported to southern China by the southwesterly paths. The Indian Ocean is the main moisture source, which contributes almost 25% to SCAFRS precipitation. The contributions of moisture originating from BSC and eastern China to southern China precipitation after the onset of SCSSM are 21% and 18%, respectively.
This study simulated the moisture transport process of southern China annually first rainy season (SCAFRS) using a Lagrangian airflow trajectory model (Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory: HYSPLIT), to determine SCAFRS moisture transport characteristics and their relationship with South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM). It is found that the moisture transport paths and sources of SCAFRS are closely related to the onset of SCSSM. Divided by SCSSM onset dates, the moisture transport characteristics of SCAFRS are compared quantitatively. Before the onset of SCSSM, precipitation of SCAFRS mainly comes from western Pacific and eastern China. Their contributions are 24% and 25%, respectively. The amount of water vapor carried along the path coming from Bay of Bengal-South China Sea (BSC) is relatively high, but the contribution rate of this path to SCAFRS precipitation is relatively low. Mainly due to strong precipitation over Bay of Bengal before the onset of SCSSM, this region is a moisture sink, which makes most moisture deposit in this region and only a small portion of water vapor transported to southern China. After the onset of SCSSM, most water vapor is transported to southern China by the southwesterly paths. The Indian Ocean is the main moisture source, which contributes almost 25% to SCAFRS precipitation. The contributions of moisture originating from BSC and eastern China to southern China precipitation after the onset of SCSSM are 21% and 18%, respectively.
2019, 25(2): 180-191.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.005
Abstract:
A comprehensive observational study on a warm sector torrential rain (WSTR) on 20 May 2016 over south China is presented with a pioneering examination of simulation capabilities based on the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System for Tropical Mesoscale Model (GRAPES_TMM). The results show that the meso-scale convective boundary formed between north wind from mountainous areas and the south wind from plain regions as well as the cold outflows boundary both contribute to the convections over Xinyi, and the convections were blocked and stayed stagnant in the trumpet-shaped topography for about 8 hours which eventually caused the torrential rains. Comparative verifications of the observational studies by simulations showed that GRAPES_TMM had better estimations of large-scale frontal precipitation than the local warm-sector torrential rains. The simulations of local torrential rains in the warm sector showed strong biases in precipitation location and amount. GRAPES_TMM also showed overestimated surface winds and a faster moving speed bias, as well as an overall underestimation of the nocturnal surface temperature during the WSTR. This work may lead to several prospective researches of its model improvements on model physics such as land surface process and PBL parameterization.
A comprehensive observational study on a warm sector torrential rain (WSTR) on 20 May 2016 over south China is presented with a pioneering examination of simulation capabilities based on the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System for Tropical Mesoscale Model (GRAPES_TMM). The results show that the meso-scale convective boundary formed between north wind from mountainous areas and the south wind from plain regions as well as the cold outflows boundary both contribute to the convections over Xinyi, and the convections were blocked and stayed stagnant in the trumpet-shaped topography for about 8 hours which eventually caused the torrential rains. Comparative verifications of the observational studies by simulations showed that GRAPES_TMM had better estimations of large-scale frontal precipitation than the local warm-sector torrential rains. The simulations of local torrential rains in the warm sector showed strong biases in precipitation location and amount. GRAPES_TMM also showed overestimated surface winds and a faster moving speed bias, as well as an overall underestimation of the nocturnal surface temperature during the WSTR. This work may lead to several prospective researches of its model improvements on model physics such as land surface process and PBL parameterization.
2019, 25(2): 192-200.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.006
Abstract:
A provincial Disaster-causing Rainstorm Severity Index (DRaSI) is introduced to quantify the relationship between rainfall and its disastrous impacts on Zhejiang province of China, shortened as ZJ-DRaSI. ZJ-DRaSI is set up based on the DRaSI for single stations in combination with the coverage of rainstorms. The probability distribution function (PDF) of ZJ-DRaSI between 1971 and 2015 can be well fitted by the Wakeby Distribution with five parameters. It is found that decadal (e.g. 10yr, 20yr, and so on) return period values of ZJ-DRaSI related to typhoons are generally lower than that of non-typhoon events, implying that disastrous non-typhoon events have a higher frequency of occurrence. The extreme typhoon events have a significant cycle of 22.5 years, while the non-typhoon events have a significant cycle of 15 years. Both are currently at the high-value phase. The annual extreme value of ZJ-DRaSI exhibits an increasing trend of approximately 15% every 10 years.
A provincial Disaster-causing Rainstorm Severity Index (DRaSI) is introduced to quantify the relationship between rainfall and its disastrous impacts on Zhejiang province of China, shortened as ZJ-DRaSI. ZJ-DRaSI is set up based on the DRaSI for single stations in combination with the coverage of rainstorms. The probability distribution function (PDF) of ZJ-DRaSI between 1971 and 2015 can be well fitted by the Wakeby Distribution with five parameters. It is found that decadal (e.g. 10yr, 20yr, and so on) return period values of ZJ-DRaSI related to typhoons are generally lower than that of non-typhoon events, implying that disastrous non-typhoon events have a higher frequency of occurrence. The extreme typhoon events have a significant cycle of 22.5 years, while the non-typhoon events have a significant cycle of 15 years. Both are currently at the high-value phase. The annual extreme value of ZJ-DRaSI exhibits an increasing trend of approximately 15% every 10 years.
2019, 25(2): 201-210.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.007
Abstract:
Results of one-year simulations using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, with the use of different radiation schemes (RRTM, RRTMG, CAM, New Goddard and Goddard), are evaluated for China. The observations used in the model assessment include station data from the China Meteorological Administration, 14 flux field sites arranged in a coordinated observation network, and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data. Specifically, based on a Taylor diagram, the temperature differences between the radiation schemes are small, and the best annual mean spatial pattern and average value for China as a whole is produced by RRTMG. For the rainfall and net radiation annual mean simulation, the New Goddard and CAM schemes present better results than the RRTMG scheme. With respect to low cloud cover, all the schemes have similar reproduction without high cover on east of Tibet Plateau. Overall, the New Goddard and CAM schemes are suitable for longtime simulation without nesting and nudging options.
Results of one-year simulations using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, with the use of different radiation schemes (RRTM, RRTMG, CAM, New Goddard and Goddard), are evaluated for China. The observations used in the model assessment include station data from the China Meteorological Administration, 14 flux field sites arranged in a coordinated observation network, and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data. Specifically, based on a Taylor diagram, the temperature differences between the radiation schemes are small, and the best annual mean spatial pattern and average value for China as a whole is produced by RRTMG. For the rainfall and net radiation annual mean simulation, the New Goddard and CAM schemes present better results than the RRTMG scheme. With respect to low cloud cover, all the schemes have similar reproduction without high cover on east of Tibet Plateau. Overall, the New Goddard and CAM schemes are suitable for longtime simulation without nesting and nudging options.
2019, 25(2): 211-226.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.008
Abstract:
Using the regional climate model RegCM4.4.5, coupled with the land model CLM4.5, we investigated the effects of springtime soil moisture in the Indochina Peninsula on summer precipitation over the South China Sea and its surrounding areas in 1999. Results have indicated that there exists positive correlation between soil moisture and summer precipitation over the western Pacific Ocean and negative correlation between soil moisture and summer precipitation over the eastern Indian Ocean. Summer precipitation in the South China Sea and its surrounding areas responds to springtime soil moisture in the Indochina Peninsula (the northwest region is critical) because general atmospheric circulation is sensitive to the near-surface thermodynamic state. Increased (decreased) soil moisture would result in decreased (increased) local surface temperatures. Latitudinal, small-scale land–Csea thermal differences would then result in northeasterly wind (southwesterly wind) anomalies in the upper layer and southwesterly wind (northeasterly wind) anomalies in the lower layer, which strengthen (weaken) monsoon development. As a result, precipitation would enter the Western Pacific region earlier (later), and water vapor over the eastern Indian Ocean would enter the South China Sea earlier (later), causing a precipitation reduction (increase) in the eastern Indian Ocean and increase (reduction) in the Western Pacific.
Using the regional climate model RegCM4.4.5, coupled with the land model CLM4.5, we investigated the effects of springtime soil moisture in the Indochina Peninsula on summer precipitation over the South China Sea and its surrounding areas in 1999. Results have indicated that there exists positive correlation between soil moisture and summer precipitation over the western Pacific Ocean and negative correlation between soil moisture and summer precipitation over the eastern Indian Ocean. Summer precipitation in the South China Sea and its surrounding areas responds to springtime soil moisture in the Indochina Peninsula (the northwest region is critical) because general atmospheric circulation is sensitive to the near-surface thermodynamic state. Increased (decreased) soil moisture would result in decreased (increased) local surface temperatures. Latitudinal, small-scale land–Csea thermal differences would then result in northeasterly wind (southwesterly wind) anomalies in the upper layer and southwesterly wind (northeasterly wind) anomalies in the lower layer, which strengthen (weaken) monsoon development. As a result, precipitation would enter the Western Pacific region earlier (later), and water vapor over the eastern Indian Ocean would enter the South China Sea earlier (later), causing a precipitation reduction (increase) in the eastern Indian Ocean and increase (reduction) in the Western Pacific.
2019, 25(2): 227-244.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.009
Abstract:
To solve the problem of mesoscale analysis error accumulation after a period of continuous cycle data assimilation (CCDA), a blending method and a constraining method are compared to introduce global analysis information into the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction Enhanced System mesoscale three-dimensional variational data assimilation system (GRAPES-Meso 3Dvar). Based on a spatial filter used to obtain a blended analysis, the blending method is weighted toward the T639 global analysis for scales larger than the cutoff wavelength of 1,200 km and toward the GRAPES mesoscale analysis for wavelengths below that. The constraining method considers the T639 global analysis data as an extra source of information to be added in the 3DVar cost function. The cloud-resolving GRAPES-Meso system (3 km resolution) with a 3 h analysis cycle update is chosen, and forecast experiments on an extreme precipitation event over the eastern part of China are presented. The comparison shows that the inclusion of large-scale information with both methods has a positive impact on the regional model, in which the 3 h background forecasts are slightly closer to the radiosonde observations. The results also show that both methods are effective in improving large-scale analysis while reserving the well-featured mesoscale information, leading to an enhancement in the balance and accuracy of the analysis. Subjective verification reveals that the introduction of large-scale information has a visible beneficial impact on the forecast of precipitation location and intensity. The methodologies and experiences presented in this paper could serve as a reference for ongoing efforts toward the development of multi-scale analysis in GRAPES-Meso.
To solve the problem of mesoscale analysis error accumulation after a period of continuous cycle data assimilation (CCDA), a blending method and a constraining method are compared to introduce global analysis information into the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction Enhanced System mesoscale three-dimensional variational data assimilation system (GRAPES-Meso 3Dvar). Based on a spatial filter used to obtain a blended analysis, the blending method is weighted toward the T639 global analysis for scales larger than the cutoff wavelength of 1,200 km and toward the GRAPES mesoscale analysis for wavelengths below that. The constraining method considers the T639 global analysis data as an extra source of information to be added in the 3DVar cost function. The cloud-resolving GRAPES-Meso system (3 km resolution) with a 3 h analysis cycle update is chosen, and forecast experiments on an extreme precipitation event over the eastern part of China are presented. The comparison shows that the inclusion of large-scale information with both methods has a positive impact on the regional model, in which the 3 h background forecasts are slightly closer to the radiosonde observations. The results also show that both methods are effective in improving large-scale analysis while reserving the well-featured mesoscale information, leading to an enhancement in the balance and accuracy of the analysis. Subjective verification reveals that the introduction of large-scale information has a visible beneficial impact on the forecast of precipitation location and intensity. The methodologies and experiences presented in this paper could serve as a reference for ongoing efforts toward the development of multi-scale analysis in GRAPES-Meso.
2019, 25(2): 245-256.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.010
Abstract:
Based on the GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR (Ensemble three-dimension hybrid data assimilation for Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction system) constructed by China Meteorological Administration, a 7-day simulation (from 10 July 2015 to 16 July 2015) is conducted for horizontal localization scales. 48h forecasts have been designed for each test, and seven different horizontal localization scales of 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500 and 1750 km are set. The 7-day simulation results show that the optimal horizontal localization scales over the Tibetan Plateau and the plain area are 1500 km and 1000 km, respectively. As a result, based on the GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR, a topography- dependent horizontal localization scale scheme (hereinafter referred to as GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR-TD-HLS) has been constructed. The data assimilation and forecast experiments have been implemented by GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR, 3DVAR and GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR-TD-HLS, and then the analysis and forecast field of these three systems are compared. The results show that the analysis field and forecast field within 30h of GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR-TD-HLS are better than those of the other two data assimilation systems. Particularly in the analysis field, the root mean square error (RMSE) of u_wind and v_wind in the entire vertical levels is significantly less than that of the other two systems. The time series of total RMSE indicate, in the 6-30h forecast range, that the forecast result of En-3DVAR-TD-HLS is better than that of the other two systems, but the En-3DVAR and 3DVAR are equivalent in terms of their forecast skills. The 36-48h forecasts of three data assimilation systems have similar forecast skill.
Based on the GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR (Ensemble three-dimension hybrid data assimilation for Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction system) constructed by China Meteorological Administration, a 7-day simulation (from 10 July 2015 to 16 July 2015) is conducted for horizontal localization scales. 48h forecasts have been designed for each test, and seven different horizontal localization scales of 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500 and 1750 km are set. The 7-day simulation results show that the optimal horizontal localization scales over the Tibetan Plateau and the plain area are 1500 km and 1000 km, respectively. As a result, based on the GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR, a topography- dependent horizontal localization scale scheme (hereinafter referred to as GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR-TD-HLS) has been constructed. The data assimilation and forecast experiments have been implemented by GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR, 3DVAR and GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR-TD-HLS, and then the analysis and forecast field of these three systems are compared. The results show that the analysis field and forecast field within 30h of GRAPES-MESO hybrid En-3DVAR-TD-HLS are better than those of the other two data assimilation systems. Particularly in the analysis field, the root mean square error (RMSE) of u_wind and v_wind in the entire vertical levels is significantly less than that of the other two systems. The time series of total RMSE indicate, in the 6-30h forecast range, that the forecast result of En-3DVAR-TD-HLS is better than that of the other two systems, but the En-3DVAR and 3DVAR are equivalent in terms of their forecast skills. The 36-48h forecasts of three data assimilation systems have similar forecast skill.
2019, 25(2): 257-268.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.011
Abstract:
There is an increased demand for the accurate prediction of fog events in the Sichuan Basin (SCB) using numerical methods. A dense fog event that occurred over the SCB on 22 December 2016 was investigated. The results show that this dense fog event was influenced by the southwest of a low pressure with a weak horizontal pressure gradient and high relative humidity. This fog event showed typical diurnal variations. The fog began to form at 1800 UTC on 21 December 2016 (0200 local standard time on 22 December 2016) and dissipated at 0600 UTC on 22 December 2016 (1400 local standard time on 22 December 2016). The Weather Research and Forecasting model was able to partially reproduce the main features of this fog event and the diurnal variation in the local mountain to basin winds. The simulated horizontal visibility and liquid water content were used to characterize the fog. The mountain to basin winds had an important role in the diurnal variation of the fog event. The positive feedback mechanism between the fog and mountain to basin winds was good for the formation and maintain of the fog during the night. During the day, the mountain to basin wind displayed a transition from downslope flows to upslope flows. Water vapor evaporated easily from the warm, strong upslope winds, which resulted in the dissipation of fog during the day. The topography surrounding the SCB favored the lifting and condensation of air parcels in the lower troposphere as a result of the low height of the lifting condensation level.
There is an increased demand for the accurate prediction of fog events in the Sichuan Basin (SCB) using numerical methods. A dense fog event that occurred over the SCB on 22 December 2016 was investigated. The results show that this dense fog event was influenced by the southwest of a low pressure with a weak horizontal pressure gradient and high relative humidity. This fog event showed typical diurnal variations. The fog began to form at 1800 UTC on 21 December 2016 (0200 local standard time on 22 December 2016) and dissipated at 0600 UTC on 22 December 2016 (1400 local standard time on 22 December 2016). The Weather Research and Forecasting model was able to partially reproduce the main features of this fog event and the diurnal variation in the local mountain to basin winds. The simulated horizontal visibility and liquid water content were used to characterize the fog. The mountain to basin winds had an important role in the diurnal variation of the fog event. The positive feedback mechanism between the fog and mountain to basin winds was good for the formation and maintain of the fog during the night. During the day, the mountain to basin wind displayed a transition from downslope flows to upslope flows. Water vapor evaporated easily from the warm, strong upslope winds, which resulted in the dissipation of fog during the day. The topography surrounding the SCB favored the lifting and condensation of air parcels in the lower troposphere as a result of the low height of the lifting condensation level.
2019, 25(2): 269-292.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.012
Abstract:
The accuracy of quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) for dual-polarization radars can be improved by using a localized rainfall estimation algorithm derived from the raindrop size distribution (DSD). In the present study, DSDs observed at Suzhou City, Jiangsu province; Yangjiang City, Guangdong province; and Naqu City, Tibet are analyzed during the rainy season together with the corresponding polarimetric variables for the above three regions. Most importantly, these DSD data are used to develop optimal “synthetic” QPE algorithms for S-, C-, and X-band dual-polarization radars, which will be built or upgraded in the three regions. Meanwhile, a new piecewise fitting method (PFM) is proposed. It has been found that the number concentration N(D) of small raindrops (D<1mm) is the highest in Suzhou, while that of larger raindrops (D>1mm) is the highest in Yangjiang. The characteristics of the differential reflectivity (ZDR) and specific differential phase (KDP) are significantly different in the three locations, suggesting that different rainfall estimators are needed for different locations. Further performance assessment of the QPE based on DSD data indicates that the PFM QPE algorithm (LDSD) performs better than the conventional fitting method (CFM), and the localized QPE algorithm can improve the QPE accuracy. Observations from S-band dual-polarization radars and rain gauges in the Southern China Monsoon Rainfall Experiment are implemented to verify the performances of the QPE algorithms proposed in the present study. It is found that compared with non-localized algorithms, the localized LDSD algorithm yields the best results with at least 7.66% and 8.43% reductions in the RMSE and NE, respectively, which implies that while polarimetric variables can reflect DSD characteristics, the localized QPE algorithm remains necessary.
The accuracy of quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) for dual-polarization radars can be improved by using a localized rainfall estimation algorithm derived from the raindrop size distribution (DSD). In the present study, DSDs observed at Suzhou City, Jiangsu province; Yangjiang City, Guangdong province; and Naqu City, Tibet are analyzed during the rainy season together with the corresponding polarimetric variables for the above three regions. Most importantly, these DSD data are used to develop optimal “synthetic” QPE algorithms for S-, C-, and X-band dual-polarization radars, which will be built or upgraded in the three regions. Meanwhile, a new piecewise fitting method (PFM) is proposed. It has been found that the number concentration N(D) of small raindrops (D<1mm) is the highest in Suzhou, while that of larger raindrops (D>1mm) is the highest in Yangjiang. The characteristics of the differential reflectivity (ZDR) and specific differential phase (KDP) are significantly different in the three locations, suggesting that different rainfall estimators are needed for different locations. Further performance assessment of the QPE based on DSD data indicates that the PFM QPE algorithm (LDSD) performs better than the conventional fitting method (CFM), and the localized QPE algorithm can improve the QPE accuracy. Observations from S-band dual-polarization radars and rain gauges in the Southern China Monsoon Rainfall Experiment are implemented to verify the performances of the QPE algorithms proposed in the present study. It is found that compared with non-localized algorithms, the localized LDSD algorithm yields the best results with at least 7.66% and 8.43% reductions in the RMSE and NE, respectively, which implies that while polarimetric variables can reflect DSD characteristics, the localized QPE algorithm remains necessary.
2019, 25(2): 162-170.
doi: 10.16555/j.1006-8775.2019.02.003
Abstract:
This study investigates the interdecadal variability of Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO) based on the sounding data in the stratosphere, ERA-40 and ERA-interim reanalysis data in the past 62 years. The QBO periodicity experiences a significant interdecadal variability; the longer (shorter) the mean period, the smaller (larger) the amplitude of variation is. The QBO amplitude varies in a cycle around 10 to 15 years and in an out-of-phase correlation with the period. In addition, there is an increasing trend of the QBO amplitude in 30 to 10 hPa, while a little declining trend in70 to 40 hPa. The deviation of the QBO zonal wind extremum centers from the equator also shows interdecadal variability. The deviation location of the easterly core is generally in the reverse side to the westerly core, which means that when the easterly core is on one side of a hemisphere, the westerly core is on the other side.
This study investigates the interdecadal variability of Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO) based on the sounding data in the stratosphere, ERA-40 and ERA-interim reanalysis data in the past 62 years. The QBO periodicity experiences a significant interdecadal variability; the longer (shorter) the mean period, the smaller (larger) the amplitude of variation is. The QBO amplitude varies in a cycle around 10 to 15 years and in an out-of-phase correlation with the period. In addition, there is an increasing trend of the QBO amplitude in 30 to 10 hPa, while a little declining trend in70 to 40 hPa. The deviation of the QBO zonal wind extremum centers from the equator also shows interdecadal variability. The deviation location of the easterly core is generally in the reverse side to the westerly core, which means that when the easterly core is on one side of a hemisphere, the westerly core is on the other side.
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