Convectively Coupled Equatorial Waves: Analysis of Clouds and Temperature in the Wavenumber–Frequency Domain
01 Feb 1999-Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences (American Meteorological Society)-Vol. 56, Iss: 3, pp 374-399
TL;DR: In this article, a wavenumber-frequency spectrum analysis is performed for all longitudes in the domain 158S−158N using a long (;18 years) twice-daily record of satellite-observed outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), a good proxy for deep tropical convection.
Abstract: A wavenumber-frequency spectrum analysis is performed for all longitudes in the domain 158S‐158N using a long (;18 years) twice-daily record of satellite-observed outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), a good proxy for deep tropical convection. The broad nature of the spectrum is red in both zonal wavenumber and frequency. By removing an estimated background spectrum, numerous statistically significant spectral peaks are isolated. Some of the peaks correspond quite well to the dispersion relations of the equatorially trapped wave modes of shallow water theory with implied equivalent depths in the range of 12‐50 m. Cross-spectrum analysis with the satellite-based microwave sounding unit deep-layer temperature data shows that these spectral peaks in the OLR are ‘‘coupled’’ with this dynamical field. The equivalent depths of the convectively coupled waves are shallower than those typical of equatorial waves uncoupled with convection. Such a small equivalent depth is thought to be a result of the interaction between convection and the dynamics. The convectively coupled equatorial waves identified correspond to the Kelvin, n 5 1 equatorial Rossby, mixed Rossby-gravity, n 5 0 eastward inertiogravity, n 5 1 westward inertio-gravity (WIG), and n 5 2 WIG waves. Additionally, the Madden‐Julian oscillation and tropical depression-type disturbances are present in the OLR spectra. These latter two features are unlike the convectively coupled equatorial waves due to their location away from the equatorial wave dispersion curves in the wavenumber-frequency domain. Extraction of the different convectively coupled disturbances in the time‐longitude domain is performed by filtering the OLR dataset for very specific zonal wavenumbers and frequencies. The geographical distribution of the variance of these filtered data gives further evidence that some of the spectral peaks correspond to particular equatorial wave modes. The results have implications for the cumulus parameterization problem, for the excitation of equatorial waves in the lower stratosphere, and for extended-range forecasting in the Tropics.
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TL;DR: A seasonally independent index for monitoring the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) is described in this paper, which is based on a pair of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of the combined fields of near-equatorially averaged 850-hPa zonal wind, 200-hpa zonal winds, and satellite-observed outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) data.
Abstract: A seasonally independent index for monitoring the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is described. It is based on a pair of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of the combined fields of near-equatorially averaged 850-hPa zonal wind, 200-hPa zonal wind, and satellite-observed outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) data. Projection of the daily observed data onto the multiple-variable EOFs, with the annual cycle and components of interannual variability removed, yields principal component (PC) time series that vary mostly on the intraseasonal time scale of the MJO only. This projection thus serves as an effective filter for the MJO without the need for conventional time filtering, making the PC time series an effective index for real-time use. The pair of PC time series that form the index are called the Real-time Multivariate MJO series 1 (RMM1) and 2 (RMM2). The properties of the RMM series and the spatial patterns of atmospheric variability they capture are explored. Despite the fact that RMM1 and RMM...
2,491 citations
TL;DR: The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the dominant component of the intraseasonal (30-90 days) variability in the tropical atmosphere as mentioned in this paper, which consists of large-scale coupled patterns in atmospheric circulation and deep convection with coherent signals in many other variables, all propagating eastward slowly through the portion of the Indian and Pacific oceans where the sea surface is warm.
Abstract: [1] The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the dominant component of the intraseasonal (30–90 days) variability in the tropical atmosphere. It consists of large-scale coupled patterns in atmospheric circulation and deep convection, with coherent signals in many other variables, all propagating eastward slowly (∼5 m s−1) through the portion of the Indian and Pacific oceans where the sea surface is warm. It constantly interacts with the underlying ocean and influences many weather and climate systems. The past decade has witnessed an expeditious progress in the study of the MJO: Its large-scale and multiscale structures are better described, its scale interaction is recognized, its broad influences on tropical and extratropical weather and climate are increasingly appreciated, and its mechanisms for disturbing the ocean are further comprehended. Yet we are facing great difficulties in accurately simulating and predicting the MJO using sophisticated global weather forecast and climate models, and we are unable to explain such difficulties based on existing theories of the MJO. It is fair to say that the MJO remains an unmet challenge to our understanding of the tropical atmosphere and to our ability to simulate and predict its variability. This review, motivated by both the acceleration and gaps in our knowledge of the MJO, intends to synthesize what we currently know and what we do not know on selected topics: its observed basic characteristics, mechanisms, numerical modeling, air-sea interaction, and influences on the El Nino and Southern Oscillation.
1,931 citations
TL;DR: The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) as discussed by the authors dominates the variability of the equatorial stratosphere (∼16-50 km) and is easily seen as downward propagating easterly and westerly wind regimes, with a variable period averaging approximately 28 months.
Abstract: The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) dominates the variability of the equatorial stratosphere (∼16–50 km) and is easily seen as downward propagating easterly and westerly wind regimes, with a variable period averaging approximately 28 months. From a fluid dynamical perspective, the QBO is a fascinating example of a coherent, oscillating mean flow that is driven by propagating waves with periods unrelated to that of the resulting oscillation. Although the QBO is a tropical phenomenon, it affects the stratospheric flow from pole to pole by modulating the effects of extratropical waves. Indeed, study of the QBO is inseparable from the study of atmospheric wave motions that drive it and are modulated by it. The QBO affects variability in the mesosphere near 85 km by selectively filtering waves that propagate upward through the equatorial stratosphere, and may also affect the strength of Atlantic hurricanes. The effects of the QBO are not confined to atmospheric dynamics. Chemical constituents, such as ozone, water vapor, and methane, are affected by circulation changes induced by the QBO. There are also substantial QBO signals in many of the shorter-lived chemical constituents. Through modulation of extratropical wave propagation, the QBO has an effect on the breakdown of the wintertime stratospheric polar vortices and the severity of high-latitude ozone depletion. The polar vortex in the stratosphere affects surface weather patterns, providing a mechanism for the QBO to have an effect at the Earth's surface. As more data sources (e.g., wind and temperature measurements from both ground-based systems and satellites) become available, the effects of the QBO can be more precisely assessed. This review covers the current state of knowledge of the tropical QBO, its extratropical dynamical effects, chemical constituent transport, and effects of the QBO in the troposphere (∼0–16 km) and mesosphere (∼50–100 km). It is intended to provide a broad overview of the QBO and its effects to researchers outside the field, as well as a source of information and references for specialists. The history of research on the QBO is discussed only briefly, and the reader is referred to several historical review papers. The basic theory of the QBO is summarized, and tutorial references are provided.
1,744 citations
TL;DR: A new version of the atmosphere-ocean general circulation model cooperatively produced by the Japanese research community, known as the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC), has recently been developed.
Abstract: A new version of the atmosphere–ocean general circulation model cooperatively produced by the Japanese research community, known as the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC), has recently been developed. A century-long control experiment was performed using the new version (MIROC5) with the standard resolution of the T85 atmosphere and 1° ocean models. The climatological mean state and variability are then compared with observations and those in a previous version (MIROC3.2) with two different resolutions (medres, hires), coarser and finer than the resolution of MIROC5. A few aspects of the mean fields in MIROC5 are similar to or slightly worse than MIROC3.2, but otherwise the climatological features are considerably better. In particular, improvements are found in precipitation, zonal mean atmospheric fields, equatorial ocean subsurface fields, and the simulation of El Nino–Southern Oscillation. The difference between MIROC5 and the previous model is larger than that between th...
1,148 citations
Cites methods from "Convectively Coupled Equatorial Wav..."
...examined by calculating zonal wavenumber–frequency power spectra for the symmetric component of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), following the procedure proposed by Wheeler and Kiladis (1999). The...
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06 Nov 2006TL;DR: A comprehensive unified treatment of atmospheric and oceanic fluid dynamics is provided in this paper, including rotation and stratification, vorticity, scaling and approximations, and wave-mean flow interactions and turbulence.
Abstract: Fluid dynamics is fundamental to our understanding of the atmosphere and oceans. Although many of the same principles of fluid dynamics apply to both the atmosphere and oceans, textbooks tend to concentrate on the atmosphere, the ocean, or the theory of geophysical fluid dynamics (GFD). This textbook provides a comprehensive unified treatment of atmospheric and oceanic fluid dynamics. The book introduces the fundamentals of geophysical fluid dynamics, including rotation and stratification, vorticity and potential vorticity, and scaling and approximations. It discusses baroclinic and barotropic instabilities, wave-mean flow interactions and turbulence, and the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. Student problems and exercises are included at the end of each chapter. Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics: Fundamentals and Large-Scale Circulation will be an invaluable graduate textbook on advanced courses in GFD, meteorology, atmospheric science and oceanography, and an excellent review volume for researchers. Additional resources are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521849692.
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TL;DR: The NCEP/NCAR 40-yr reanalysis uses a frozen state-of-the-art global data assimilation system and a database as complete as possible, except that the horizontal resolution is T62 (about 210 km) as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The NCEP and NCAR are cooperating in a project (denoted “reanalysis”) to produce a 40-year record of global analyses of atmospheric fields in support of the needs of the research and climate monitoring communities. This effort involves the recovery of land surface, ship, rawinsonde, pibal, aircraft, satellite, and other data; quality controlling and assimilating these data with a data assimilation system that is kept unchanged over the reanalysis period 1957–96. This eliminates perceived climate jumps associated with changes in the data assimilation system. The NCEP/NCAR 40-yr reanalysis uses a frozen state-of-the-art global data assimilation system and a database as complete as possible. The data assimilation and the model used are identical to the global system implemented operationally at the NCEP on 11 January 1995, except that the horizontal resolution is T62 (about 210 km). The database has been enhanced with many sources of observations not available in real time for operations, provided b...
28,145 citations
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2,620 citations
"Convectively Coupled Equatorial Wav..." refers background in this paper
...This is a period of special interest for many researchers studying large-scale circulation and convection (e.g., Takayabu 1994b; Gutzler et al. 1994; Lin and Johnson 1996; Chen et al. 1996)....
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TL;DR: In this article, a single layer of homogeneous incompressible fluid with free surface is treated, where the Coriolis parameter is assumed to be proportional to the latitude, and a strong east-west current was formed along the equator.
Abstract: Quasi-horizontal wave motions in the equatorial area are discussed. A single layer of homogeneous incompressible fluid with free surface is treated. The Coriolis parameter is assumed to be proportional to the latitude. In general, waves of two different types are obtained as solutions, one being the inertio-gravity wave and the other Rossby wave. They are distinguished from each other by the difference of frequencies and by the relationships between pressure and velocity fields. For the solutions of the lowest mode (waves confined near the equator), however, the distinction between the Rossby and the inertio-gravity waves is not clear. The wave moves westward and the frequency of this wave is compared to that of the gravity wave, if wave length is large. With the increase of the wave number the frequency decreases and approaches to that of the Rossby type wave. The pressure and wind fields of this wave show somewhat mixed character of the two types, and change continuously with the wave number. In this connection it seems impossible to \"filter out\" gravity waves from large scale motions. Another interesting feature of the equatorial disturbances is that the low frequency waves are trapped near the equator. It is shown that the both waves of inertio-gravity type and of the Rossby type have appreciable amplitude only near the equator. The characteristic north-south extent of the waves is (c/ ) 1/2, where c is the velocity of long gravity waves and is the Rossby parameter. This expression is identical with that derived by Bretherton (1964) for inertio-gravity oscillations in a meridional plane. In the later half, \"forced stationary motion\" in the equatorial region is treated. Based on the same model, mass sources and sinks are introduced periodically in the east-west direction. Then the motions and surface topography caused by them are calculated. As expected, high and low pressures appear where mass source and sink are given respectively. But these high and low cells are splitted into two parts separated by troughs or ridges located along the equator. Strong east-west current was formed along the equator. The flow directs from source to sink and it is intensified by the turning of the circular flow in the higher latitudes.
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TL;DR: The 40-50-day cyclone oscillation is the result of large-scale circulation cells oriented in the equatorial plane that move eastward from at least the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Observational aspects of the 40–50-day oscillation are reviewed. The oscillation is the result of large-scale circulation cells oriented in the equatorial plane that move eastward from at least the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific. Anomalies in zonal winds and the velocity potential in the upper troposphere often propagate the full circumference of the globe. Related, complex convective regions also show an eastward movement. There is a zonally symmetric component to the oscillation. It is manifest in changes in surface pressure and in the relative atmospheric angular momentum. The oscillation is an important factor in the timing of active and break phases of the Indian and Australian monsoons. It affects ocean waves, currents, and air-sea interaction. The oscillation was particularly active during the First GARP (Global Atmospheric Research Program) Global Experiment year, and some features that were evident during the Monsoon Experiment are described.
1,918 citations
"Convectively Coupled Equatorial Wav..." refers background in this paper
...The two major events of December and January are propagating eastward at about 4 and 6 m s21, respectively, and appear to be dominated by zonal wavenumber 2, quite typical of the MJO (Madden and Julian 1994)....
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...The feature with the most power in either component or in either propagating direction is the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO; Madden and Julian 1994), occurring mostly at eastward wavenumbers 1, 2, and 3, and centered at a period of about 48 days in OLRS, and to a lesser extent in OLRA....
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a simulation of the western Pacific warm pool, the region of the warmest sea surface temperature in the open oceans, which coexists with the largest annual precipitation and latent heat release in the atmosphere.
Abstract: Despite significant progress in the Tropical Ocean–Global Atmosphere (TOGA) program, a number of major hurdles remain before the primary objective, prediction of the variability of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system on time scales of months to years, can be achieved. Foremost among these hurdles is understanding the physics that maintains and perturbs the western Pacific warm pool, the region of the warmest sea surface temperature in the open oceans, which coexists with the largest annual precipitation and latent heat release in the atmosphere. Even though it is believed that the warm pool is a “center of action” for the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena in the ocean and the atmosphere, successful simulation of the warm pool has remained an elusive goal. To gain a clear understanding of global climate change, the ENSO phenomenon, and the intraseasonal variability of the coupled atmosphere–ocean system, it is clear that a better specification of the coupling of the ocean and the atmosphere is ...
948 citations
"Convectively Coupled Equatorial Wav..." refers background in this paper
...The 6-month period that we have chosen to display extends from September 1992 to the end of February 1993, which brackets the period of intensive observations of the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE; Webster and Lukas 1992)....
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