Wenshou Tian

Effect of Madden–Julian Oscillation Occurrence Frequency on the Interannual Variability of Northern Hemisphere Stratospheric Wave Activity in Winter

AbstractThis study uses reanalysis datasets and numerical experiments to investigate the influence of the occurrence frequency of the individual phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on the interannual variability of stratospheric wave activity in the middle and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere during boreal winter [November–February (NDJF)]. Our analysis reveals that the occurrence frequency of MJO phase 4 in winter is significantly positively correlated with the interannual variability of the Eliassen–Palm (E–P) flux divergence anomalies in the northern extratropical stratosphere; that is, higher (lower) occurrence frequency of MJO phase 4 corresponds to weaker (stronger) upward wave fluxes and increased (decreased) E–P flux divergence anomalies in the middle and upper stratosphere at mid-to-high latitudes, which implies depressed (enhanced) wave activity accompanied by a stronger (weaker) polar vortex in that region. The convection anomalies over the Maritime Continent related to MJO p...

Zonally asymmetric trends of winter total column ozone in the northern middle latitudes

Using various satellite-based observations, a linear ozone transport model (LOTM), a chemistry-climate model (WACCM3) and an offline chemical transport model (SLIMCAT), zonally asymmetric trends of the total column ozone (TCO) in the northern middle latitudes during winter for the period 1979–2015 are analyzed and factors responsible for the trends are diagnosed. The results reveal that there are significant negative TCO trends over the North Pacific and positive TCO trends over the northwestern North America. The zonally asymmetric TCO trends are mainly contributed by the trends in partial column ozone in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) which are closely related to the long-term changes of geopotential height in the troposphere. Furthermore, the trends of geopontential height in the UTLS are mainly modulated by pattern changes in the Arctic Oscillation (AO), the Cold Ocean–Warm Land (COWL) and the North Pacific (NP) index. Accordingly, the zonally asymmetric TCO trends can be largely reconstructed by the trends of the above three teleconnection patterns. Sea surface temperature (SST) changes over the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean can also exert a significant contribution to the zonally asymmetric TCO trends through their influence on the COWL and NP patterns. In addition, chemical ozone loss partially offsets the positive trends in zonal TCO anomalies over Central Siberia and enhances the positive TCO trends over northwestern North America. However, the contribution of chemical processes to the zonally asymmetric TCO trends is relatively smaller than that of dynamical transport effects. Interpreting the zonally asymmetric TCO trends and their responsible factors would be helpful for accurately predicting the stratospheric ozone return date in the northern middle latitudes.

An advanced impact of Arctic stratospheric ozone changes on spring precipitation in China

The effect of spring Arctic Stratospheric Ozone (ASO) changes on spring precipitation in China is analyzed using observations, reanalysis data, and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model version 4 (WACCM4). We find that February–March mean ASO changes have a significant impact on April–May mean precipitation over Loess Plateau and middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River—two important grain-producing regions with large populations. Changes in the polar vortex link the ASO to precipitation in China. Stratospheric circulation anomalies caused by ASO changes can propagate to the North Pacific. An increase in ASO leads to enhanced westerlies in the high and low latitudes of the North Pacific but weakened westerly in the mid-latitudes of the North Pacific. The circulation anomalies over the North Pacific, forced by the increase of ASO, can extend westwards to East Asia, leading to an abnormal anticyclone in the East Asian upper and middle troposphere, and an abnormal cyclone in the lower troposphere. This enhances the warm and humid airstream from Western Pacific to Chinese mainland and strengthens upwelling over Loess Plateau and middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River. These conditions enhance precipitation in central China during positive ASO anomaly events and reduce precipitation during negative events. The WACCM4 simulations support the results from statistical analysis of observations and reanalysis data. Our results suggest that ASO variation can serve as a predictor of spring precipitation variation over Loess Plateau and middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River.