scholarly journals Solar wind dynamic pressure effect on planetary wave propagation and synoptic-scale Rossby wave breaking

2013 ◽  
Vol 118 (10) ◽  
pp. 4476-4493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Lu ◽  
Christian Franzke ◽  
Olivia Martius ◽  
Martin J. Jarvis ◽  
Tony Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Wave Propagation ◽  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Planetary Wave ◽  
Pressure Effect ◽  
Dynamic Pressure ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Planetary Wave Propagation

scholarly journals A global climatological perspective on the importance of Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport for extreme precipitation events

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andries Jan De Vries
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Extreme Precipitation ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Moisture Transport ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Extreme Precipitation Events ◽  
The World ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Precipitation Events

<p>Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) frequently cause flooding with dramatic socioeconomic impacts in many parts of the world. Previous studies considered two synoptic-scale processes, Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport, typically in isolation, and their linkage to such EPEs in several regions. This study presents for the first time a global and systematic climatological analysis of these two synoptic-scale processes, in tandem and in isolation, for the occurrence of EPEs. To this end, we use 40-year ERA-Interim reanalysis data (1979-2018) and apply object-based identification methods for (i) daily EPEs, (ii) stratospheric potential vorticity (PV) streamers as indicators of Rossby wave breaking, and (iii) structures of high vertically integrated horizontal water vapor transport (IVT). First, the importance of these two synoptic-scale processes is demonstrated by case studies of previously documented flood events that inflicted catastrophic impacts in different parts of the world. Next, a climatological quantification shows that Rossby wave breaking is associated with > 90 % of EPEs near high topography and over the Mediterranean, whereas intense moisture transport is linked to > 95 % of EPEs over many coastal zones, consistent with findings of atmospheric river-related studies. Combined Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport contributes up to 70 % of EPEs in several subtropical and extratropical regions, including (semi)arid desert regions where tropical-extratropical interactions are of key importance for (heavy) rainfall. A detailed analysis shows that five categories with different combinations of wave breaking and intense moisture transport can reflect a large range of EPE-related weather systems across various climate zones. Odds ratios of EPEs linked to the two synoptic-scale processes suggest that intense moisture transport is stronger associated with the occurrence of EPEs than wave breaking. Furthermore, the relationship between the PV and IVT characteristics and the precipitation volumes shows that the depth of the wave breaking and moisture transport intensity are intimately connected with the extreme precipitation severity. Finally, composites reveal that subtropical and extratropical EPEs, linked to Rossby wave breaking, go along with the formation of upper-level troughs and cyclogenetic processes near the surface downstream, reduced static stability beneath the upper-level forcing (only over water), and dynamical lifting ahead (over water and land). This study concludes with a concept that reconciles well-established meteorological principles with the importance of Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport for extreme precipitation events. The findings of this study may contribute to an improved understanding of the atmospheric processes that lead to EPEs, and may find application in climatic studies on extreme precipitation changes in a warming climate.</p>

scholarly journals The Role of Dynamic Tropopause Rossby Wave Breaking for Synoptic-Scale Buildups in Northern Hemisphere Zonal Available Potential Energy

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. 433-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin A. Bowley ◽  
John R. Gyakum ◽  
Eyad H. Atallah
Keyword(s):  
Potential Energy ◽  
Northern Hemisphere ◽  
Rossby Wave ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Pacific

Abstract Zonal available potential energy AZ measures the magnitude of meridional temperature gradients and static stability of a domain. Here, the role of Northern Hemisphere dynamic tropopause (2.0-PVU surface) Rossby wave breaking (RWB) in supporting an environment facilitating buildups of AZ on synoptic time scales (3–10 days) is examined. RWB occurs when the phase speed of a Rossby wave slows to the advective speed of the atmosphere, resulting in a cyclonic or anticyclonic RWB event (CWB and AWB, respectively). These events have robust dynamic and thermodynamic feedbacks through the depth of the troposphere that can modulate AZ. Significant synoptic-scale buildups in AZ and RWB events are identified from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis-2 dataset from 1979 to 2011 for 20°–85°N. Anomalies in AWB and CWB are assessed seasonally for buildup periods of AZ. Positive anomalies in AWB and negative anomalies in CWB are found for most AZ buildup periods in the North Pacific and North Atlantic basins and attributed to localized poleward shifts in the jet stream. Less frequent west–east dipoles in wave breaking anomalies for each basin are attributed to elongated and contracted regional jet exit regions. Finally, an analysis of long-duration AWB events for winter AZ buildup periods to an anomalously high AZ state is performed using a quasi-Lagrangian grid-shifting technique. North Pacific AWB events are shown to diabatically intensify the North Pacific jet exit region (increasing Northern Hemisphere AZ) through latent heating equatorward of the jet exit and radiative and evaporative cooling poleward of the jet exit.

scholarly journals A global climatological perspective on the importance of Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport for extreme precipitation events

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andries Jan De Vries
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Extreme Precipitation ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Moisture Transport ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Extreme Precipitation Events ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
High Topography ◽  
Precipitation Events

Abstract. Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) cause frequently flooding with dramatic socioeconomic impacts in many parts of the world. Previous studies considered two synoptic-scale processes, Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport, typically in isolation, and their linkage to such EPEs in several regions. This study presents for the first time a global and systematic climatological analysis of these two synoptic-scale processes, in tandem and in isolation, for the occurrence of EPEs. To this end, we use 40-year ERA-Interim reanalysis data (1979–2018) and apply object-based identification methods for (i) daily EPEs, (ii) stratospheric potential vorticity (PV) streamers as indicators of Rossby wave breaking, and (iii) structures of high vertically integrated horizontal water vapor transport (IVT). First, the importance of these two processes is demonstrated by case studies of previously documented flood events that inflicted catastrophic impacts in different parts of the world. Next, a climatological quantification shows that Rossby wave breaking is associated with > 90 % of EPEs near high topography and over the Mediterranean, intense moisture transport is linked to > 90 % of EPEs over many coastal zones, and their combined occurrence contributes to > 70 % of EPEs in several subtropical and extratropical regions. A more detailed analysis shows that a majority of EPEs associated with (1) only Rossby wave breaking are confined to higher-latitude regions that are deprived from remote moisture supplies by high topography and deserts, (2) only intense moisture transport are found circumglobally at the outer tropics, associated with tropical cyclones, tropical easterly waves, and monsoon lows, (3) combined Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport dominate a large part of the globe, in particular over dry subtropical regions where tropical-extratropical interactions are of key relevance, (4) remote, far upstream Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport occur over mountainous extratropical west coasts, reminiscent of landfalling atmospheric rivers, and (5) neither of the two synoptic-scale processes are concentrated over the inner tropics and high topography at lower latitudes, where EPEs arise under the influence of local forcing. Accordingly, different combinations of wave breaking and intense moisture transport can reflect a large range of weather systems with relevance to EPEs across various climate zones. Furthermore, the relationship between the PV and IVT characteristics and the precipitation volumes shows that the strength of the wave breaking and moisture transport intensity are intimately connected with the extreme precipitation severity. Finally, composites reveal that subtropical and extratropical EPEs, linked to Rossby wave breaking, go along with the formation of upper-level troughs and cyclogenetic processes near the surface downstream, reduced static stability beneath the upper-level forcing (only over water), and dynamical lifting ahead (over water and land). This study concludes with a concept that reconciles well-established meteorological principles with the importance of Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport for extreme precipitation events. The findings of this study may contribute to an improved understanding of the atmospheric processes that lead to EPEs, and may find application in climatic studies on extreme precipitation changes in a warming climate.

scholarly journals The Dynamical Impact of Rossby Wave Breaking upon UK PM10 Concentration

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. P. Webber ◽  
H. F. Dacre ◽  
W. J. Collins ◽  
G. Masato
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Pm10 Concentration ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Urban Background ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Coarse Particulate Matter

Abstract. Coarse particulate matter (PM10) has long been understood to be hazardous to human health with mortality rates increasing as a result of raised ground level concentrations. We explore the influence of synoptic scale meteorology on observed PM10 concentration ([PM10]) using Rossby Wave Breaking (RWB). Meteorological re-analysis data for the winter months (DJF) between January 1999 and December 2008 and observed PM10 data for three urban background UK (Midland) sites, were analysed. Three RWB diagnostics were used to identify RWB that had significant influence on UK Midland PM10. RWB events were classified according to whether the RWB was cyclonic or anticyclonic in its direction of breaking and whether the RWB event was influenced more by poleward or equatorial air masses. We find that there is a strong link between RWB events and UK [PM10]. Significant increases (p 

scholarly journals The dynamical impact of Rossby wave breaking upon UK PM<sub>10</sub> concentration

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 867-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher P. Webber ◽  
Helen F. Dacre ◽  
William J. Collins ◽  
Giacomo Masato
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Reanalysis Data ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Urban Background ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Coarse Particulate Matter ◽  
The Uk

Abstract. Coarse particulate matter (PM10) has long been understood to be hazardous to human health, with mortality rates increasing as a result of raised ground level concentrations. We explore the influence of synoptic-scale meteorology on daily mean observed PM10 concentration ([PM10]) using Rossby wave breaking (RWB). Meteorological reanalysis data for the winter months (DJF) between January 1999 and December 2008 and observed PM10 data for three urban background UK (Midland) sites were analysed. Three RWB diagnostics were used to identify RWB that had significant influence on UK Midland PM10. RWB events were classified according to whether the RWB was cyclonic or anticyclonic in its direction of breaking and whether the RWB event was influenced more by poleward or equatorial air masses. We find that there is a strong link between RWB events and UK [PM10]. Significant increases (p  <  0.01) in UK [PM10] were seen 1 day following RWB occurring in spatially constrained northeast Atlantic–European regions. Analysis into episodic PM10 exceedance events shows increased probability of [PM10] exceedance associated with all RWB subsets. The greatest probability of exceeding the UK [PM10] threshold was associated with cyclonic RWB preceded by anticyclonic RWB forming an Ω block synoptic pattern. This mechanism suggests an easterly advection of European PM10 followed by prolonged stagnant conditions within the UK and led to an almost threefold increase in the probability of the UK Midlands exceeding a hazardous [PM10] threshold (0.383), when compared to days where no RWB was detected (0.129).

scholarly journals Linkages between Extreme Precipitation Events in the Central and Eastern United States and Rossby Wave Breaking

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (9) ◽  
pp. 3327-3349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Moore ◽  
Daniel Keyser ◽  
Lance F. Bosart
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Wave Pattern ◽  
Eastern United States ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Extreme Precipitation Events ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Precipitation Events

AbstractLinkages between extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in the central and eastern United States and synoptic-scale Rossby wave breaking are investigated using 1979–2015 climatologies of EPEs and upper-level potential vorticity (PV) streamers. The investigation focuses on two domains over the central and eastern United States, respectively, and emphasizes widespread EPEs, events exhibiting exceptionally large precipitation volumes. The relative frequency of PV streamers is found to be significantly enhanced relative to climatology immediately upstream of each domain during widespread EPEs. Majorities of the widespread EPEs in the central (~79%) and eastern (~56%) U.S. domains co-occur with a PV streamer positioned immediately upstream. Odds ratios of EPEs for days when a PV streamer occurs upstream of each domain indicate a strong, statistically significant association between EPEs and Rossby wave breaking. The strength of the EPE–Rossby wave breaking linkage, as measured by co-occurrence fractions and odds ratios, tends to increase with increasing EPE precipitation volume, such that the strongest linkage exists for widespread EPEs. Composite analyses reveal that Rossby wave breaking can result in widespread EPEs by establishing a persistent high-amplitude synoptic-scale wave pattern, within which strong poleward water vapor transport and ascent are forced over the EPE region immediately downstream of an elongated upper-level trough. Additional analyses demonstrate that, compared to corresponding null cases, Rossby wave breaking cases resulting in widespread EPEs exhibit a significantly higher-amplitude wave pattern that favors greater poleward transport of moist, conditionally unstable air and stronger ascent over the EPE region.

scholarly journals A global climatological perspective on the importance of Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport for extreme precipitation events

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-161
Author(s):  
Andries Jan de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Extreme Precipitation ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Moisture Transport ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Extreme Precipitation Events ◽  
The World ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Precipitation Events

Abstract. Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) frequently cause flooding with dramatic socioeconomic impacts in many parts of the world. Previous studies considered two synoptic-scale processes, Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport, typically in isolation, and their linkage to such EPEs in several regions. This study presents for the first time a global and systematic climatological analysis of these two synoptic-scale processes, in tandem and in isolation, for the occurrence of EPEs. To this end, we use 40-year ERA-Interim reanalysis data (1979–2018) and apply object-based identification methods for (i) daily EPEs, (ii) stratospheric potential vorticity (PV) streamers as indicators of Rossby wave breaking, and (iii) structures of high vertically integrated horizontal water vapour transport (IVT). First, the importance of these two synoptic-scale processes is demonstrated by case studies of previously documented flood events that inflicted catastrophic impacts in different parts of the world. Next, a climatological quantification shows that Rossby wave breaking is associated with >90 % of EPEs over central North America and the Mediterranean, whereas intense moisture transport is linked to >95 % of EPEs over many coastal zones, consistent with findings of atmospheric river-related studies. Combined Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport contributes up to 70 % of EPEs in several subtropical and extratropical regions, including (semi)arid desert regions where tropical–extratropical interactions are of key importance for (heavy) rainfall. Odds ratios of EPEs linked to the two synoptic-scale processes suggest that intense moisture transport has a stronger association with the occurrence of EPEs than Rossby wave breaking. Furthermore, the relationship between the PV and IVT characteristics and the precipitation volumes shows that the depth of the wave breaking and moisture transport intensity are intimately connected with the extreme precipitation severity. Finally, composites reveal that subtropical and extratropical EPEs, linked to Rossby wave breaking, go along with the formation of upper-level troughs and cyclogenetic processes near the surface downstream, reduced static stability beneath the upper-level forcing (only over water), and dynamical lifting ahead (over water and land). This study concludes with a concept that reconciles well-established meteorological principles with the importance of Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport for the formation of EPEs. Another conclusion with major implications is that different combinations of Rossby wave breaking and intense moisture transport can reflect a large range of EPE-related weather systems across climate zones and can thus form the basis for a new classification of EPE regimes. The findings of this study may contribute to an improved understanding of the atmospheric processes that lead to EPEs and may find application in climatic studies on extreme precipitation changes in a warming climate.

A Climatology of Rossby Wave Breaking on the Southern Hemisphere Tropopause

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 798-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thando Ndarana ◽  
Darryn W. Waugh
Keyword(s):  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Polar Front ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
South Pacific Ocean ◽  
Ocean Region ◽  
Summer Minimum

Abstract A 30-yr climatology of Rossby wave breaking (RWB) on the Southern Hemisphere (SH) tropopause is formed using 30 yr of reanalyses. Composite analysis of potential vorticity and meridional fluxes of wave activity show that RWB in the SH can be divided into two broad categories: anticyclonic and cyclonic events. While there is only weak asymmetry in the meridional direction and most events cannot be classified as equatorward or poleward in terms of the potential vorticity structure, the position and structure of the fluxes associated with equatorward breaking differs from those of poleward breaking. Anticyclonic breaking is more common than cyclonic breaking, except on the lower isentrope examined (320 K). There are marked differences in the seasonal variations of RWB on the two surfaces, with a winter minimum for RWB around 350 K but a summer minimum for RWB around 330 K. These seasonal variations are due to changes in the location of the tropospheric jets and dynamical tropopause. During winter the subtropical jet and tropopause at 350 K are collocated in the Australian–South Pacific Ocean region, resulting in a seasonal minimum in the 350-K RWB. During summer the polar front jet and 330-K tropopause are collocated over the Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans, inhibiting RWB in this region.

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