In:
Journal of Climate, American Meteorological Society, Vol. 22, No. 8 ( 2009-04-15), p. 2240-2247
Abstract:
Since 1951, late spring (May) rainfall over southeastern China (SEC) has decreased by more than 30% from its long-term average, in contrast to a rainfall increase in boreal summer. The dynamics have yet to be fully determined. This paper shows that as the Indo-Pacific enters into a La Niña phase, significant negative mean sea level pressure (MSLP) anomalies grow over the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific sector. The associated large-scale southwesterly anomalies transport moisture to the nearby South China Sea and the SEC region, contributing to a higher rainfall. A presence of a Philippine Sea anticyclonic (PSAC) pattern, arising from a decaying El Niño, strengthens the rain-conducive flow to SEC, but it is not a necessary condition. During the past decades, an increase in protracted El Niño events accompanied by a reduction in La Niña episodes has contributed to the May rainfall decline. The extent to which climate change is contributing is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1520-0442
,
0894-8755
DOI:
10.1175/2008JCLI2809.1
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Meteorological Society
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
246750-1
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2021723-7
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