THE INTERDECADAL VARIABILITY OF EAST ASIA MONSOON AND ITS EFFECT ON THE RAINFALL OVER CHINA

The interdecadal variability of the East Asia summer monsoon during 1951～1999 is analyzed by using two different East Asia monsoon indices. The results agree on the point that the East Asia monsoon has undergone an interdecadal variability in the mid-1970’s. The intensity of the East Asia monsoon is weaker after this transition. Moreover the intensity and location of subtropical high that is an important component in East Asia monsoon system also shows interdecadal variation obviously. It is the interdecadal variation in atmospheric circulation that causes the drought over North China and flooding along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River after the mid-1970’s.