Circulation Indices of the Aleutian Low Pressure System:Definitions and Relationships to Climate Anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere

In this study, a group of indices were defined regarding intensity （P）, area （S） and central position （λc, Фc） of the Aleutian low （AL） in the Northern Hemisphere in winter, using seasonal and monthly mean height field at 1000-hPa. These indices were calculated over 60 winter seasons from 1948/1949 to 2007/2008 using reanalysis data. Climatic and anomalous characteristics of the AL were analyzed based on these indices and relationships between the AL, and general circulations were explored using correlations between indicesP, λc, and Pacific SST, as well as Northern Hemisphere temperature and precipitation. The main results are these： （1） AL is the strongest in January, when the center shifts to the south and west of its climatological position, and it is the weakest in December when the center shifts to the north and east. （2） AL intensity （P） is negatively correlated with its longitude （λc）： a deeper low occurs toward the east and a shallower low occurs toward the west. On a decadal scale, the AL has been persistently strong and has shifted eastward since the 1970s, but reversal signs have been observed in recent years. （3） The AL is stronger and is located toward the east during strong E1 Nifio winters and vice versa during strong La Nifia years; this tendency is particularly evident after 1975. The AL is also strongly correlated with SST in the North Pacific. It intensifies and moves eastward with negative SST anomalies, and it weakens and moves westward with positive SST anomalies. （4） Maps of significance correlation between AL intensity and Northern Hemisphere temperature and rainfall resemble the PNA teleconnection pattern in mid-latitudes in the North Pacific and across North America. The AL and the Mongolian High are two permanent atmospheric pressure systems adjacent to each other during boreal winter over the middle and high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, but their relationships with the E1 Nifio/La Nifia events and with temperature and precipitation in the Northern Hemisphere are significantly different.

The Relationship between the Aleutian Low and the Australian Summer Monsoon at Interannual Time Scales

The relationship between the boreal winter （December, January, February） Aleutian Low （AL） and the simultaneous Australian summer monsoon （ASM） is explored in this study. A significant correlation is found between the North Pacific index （NPI） and ASM index, the bulk of which is attributed to the significant correlation after late 1970s. Significant differences in precipitation and outgoing long-wave radiation between typical negative and positive NPI years appear over the ASM area. A regression analysis of the circulation pattern against the NPI during the three months is performed separately. We propose that the NPI is related with the ASM circulation possibly through the changes in the upper level westerly jet. In a typical negative NPI （strong Aleutian Low） year, the jet is greatly reinforced and the anomalous anticyclonic circulation to the south is thus excited, from which the easterly wind anomalies flowing into the ASM region emanate. Further, strong sinking motion over the northern entrance region of the jet is enhanced, and the local Hadley circulation anomaly between the ASM region and the coast of East Asia is strengthened. In this way, anomalous upward motion over the ASM area can thus be strengthened, and the convective activity intensified. Then the monsoon rainfall over ASM area is increased. An ＂asymmetric＂ connection between AL and the monsoon is found in this study.

A dual-period response of the Kuroshio Extension SST to Aleutian Low activity in the winter season

Based on our previous work, the winter sea surface temperature（SST） in the Kuroshio Extension（KE） region showed significant variability over the past century with periods of ~6 a between 1930 and 1950 and ~10 a between1980 and 2009. How the activity of the Aleutian Low（AL） induces this dual-period variability over the two different timespans is further investigated here. For the ~6 a periodicity during 1930–1950, negative wind stress curl（WSC）anomalies in the central subtropical Pacific associated with an intensified AL generate positive sea surface height（SSH） anomalies. When these wind-induced SSH anomalies propagate westwards to the east of Taiwan, China two years later, positive velocity anomalies appear around the Kuroshio to the east of Taiwan and then the mean advection via this current of velocity anomalies leads to a strengthened KE jet and thus an increase in the KE SST one year later. For the ~10 a periodicity during 1980–2009, a negative North Pacific Oscillation-like dipole takes2–3 a to develop into a significant positive North Pacific Oscillation-like dipole, and this process corresponds to the northward shift of the AL. Negative WSC anomalies associated with this AL activity in the central North Pacific are able to induce the positive SSH anomalies. These oceanic signals then propagate westward into the KE region after 2–3 a, favoring a northward shift of the KE jet, thus leading to the warming of the KE SST. The feedbacks of the KE SST anomaly on the AL forcing are both negative for these two periodicities. These results suggest that the dual-period KE SST variability can be generated by the two-way KE-SST-AL coupling.

Decadal Variation of the Aleutian Low-Icelandic Low Seesaw Simulated by a Climate System Model(CAS-ESM-C)

Based on a simulation using a newly developed climate system model(Chinese Academy of Sciences-Earth System Model-Climate system component, CAS-ESM-C), the author investigated the Aleutian Low- Icelandic Low Seesaw(AIS) and its decadal variation. Results showed that the CAS-ESM-C can reasonably reproduce not only the spatial distribution of the climatology of sea level pressure(SLP) in winter, but also the AIS and its decadal variation. The period 496–535 of the integration by this model was divided into two sub-periods: 496–515(P1) and 516–535(P2) to further investigate the decadal weakening of the AIS. It was shown that this decadal variation of the AIS is mainly due to the phase transition of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO), from its positive phase to its negative phase. This transition of the PDO causes the sea surface temperature(SST) in the equatorial eastern(northern) Pacific to cool(warm), resulting in the decadal weakening of mid-latitude westerlies over the North Pacific and North Atlantic. This may be responsible for the weakening of the inverse relation between the Aleutian Low(AL) and the Icelandic Low(IL).

Interannual Relationship between the Winter Aleutian Low and Rainfall in the Following Summer in South China

Using observations and reanalysis data, this study investigates the interannual relationship between the winter Aleutian Low(AL) and the rainfall anomalies in the following summer in South China(SC). Results show that the winter AL is significantly positively(negatively) correlated with the SC rainfall anomalies in the following July(August). Specifically, SC rainfall anomalies have a tendency to be positive(negative) in July(August) when the preceding winter AL is stronger than normal. The winter AL-related atmospheric circulation anomalies in the following summer are also examined. When the winter AL is stronger, there is a significant anticyclonic(cyclonic) circulation anomaly over the subtropical western North Pacific in the following July(August). Southerly(northerly) wind anomalies to the west of this anomalous anticyclonic(cyclonic) circulation increase(decrease) the northward moisture transportation and contribute to the positive(negative) rainfall anomalies over SC in July(August). This study indicates that the AL in the preceding winter can be used as a potential predictor of the rainfall anomalies in the following July and August over SC.

Interannual to Decadal Variability of the Winter Aleutian Low Intensity During 1900-2004

A new winter Aleutian Low （AL） intensity index was defined in this paper. A centurial-long time series of this index was constructed using the sea level pressure （SLP） data of nearly 100 years. The features of interannual and decadal variability of the winter AL intensity since 1900 were analyzed by applying the wavelet analysis. The relationship between the winter AL intensity and atmospheric circulation was examined. The cross-wavelet analysis technique was used to further reveal the relationship between the AL intensity and sea surface temperature （SST） in the equatorial eastern Pacific （EEP） and tropical Indian Ocean （TIO） in winter. The results indicate that： 1） On the interannual timescale, the winter AL intensity displays 3 7-yr oscillations, while on the decadal timescale, 8-10-yr and 16 22-yr oscillations are more obvious. 2） Of the linkage to atmospheric circulation, both AO （Arctic Oscillation） and PNA （Pacific North America pattern） are closely associated with winter AL intensity on the interannual timescale, but only PNA contributes to the variation of winter AL intensity on the decadal timescale. 3） As to the ocean impact, winter EEP SST is a major factor affecting the winter AL intensity on the interannual timescale, especially on the 3 7-yr periods. However, on the decadal timescale, though both the TIO and EEP SSTs are associated with the AL intensity in winter, the TIO SST impact is more significant.

The leading correlation of the winter Aleutian Low with surface air temperature during the subsequent summer over the Arctic and its possible mechanism

The variations of surface air temperature(SAT)over the Arctic are closely related to global climate change.Based on reanalysis datasets and a newly defined Aleutian Low intensity index,we found a good correlation between intensity of winter Aleutian Low and the SAT over the Arctic during the subsequent summer.Explanations were given using correlation analysis,composite analysis,and singular value decomposition methods.When intensity of winter Aleutian Low was weaker,sea surface temperature appeared higher in the North Pacific in the subsequent spring and summer,resulting in mean meridional circulation anomalies and 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies in spring and summer.Anomalous upward motion in mid-latitudes and downward motion in high latitudes(Ferrel cell weakening)transported the warmer air to the north from lower layer to the upper layer followed by increases in the SAT over the Arctic.Anomalous downward motion over about 75°N also caused consequent adiabatic warming and contributed to inhibit the heat transportation from surface to upper layer.Negative 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies existed in mid-latitudes and positive anomalies existed in high latitudes.The pattern(low-in-south and high-in-north)benefited from increasing the inflow volume flux of the Bering Strait,which also made the SAT over the Arctic increase.The results of this study reveal the process that the summer SAT over the Arctic was modulated by interannual variability of intensity of winter Aleutian Low.

Modulation of the Aleutian–Icelandic Low Seesaw and Its Surface Impacts by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation

Early studies suggested that the Aleutian–Icelandic low seesaw(AIS) features multidecadal variation. In this study, the multidecadal modulation of the AIS and associated surface climate by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO) during late winter(February–March) is explored with observational data. It is shown that, in the cold phase of the AMO(AMO|-),a clear AIS is established, while this is not the case in the warm phase of the AMO(AMO|+). The surface climate over Eurasia is significantly influenced by the AMO’s modulation of the Aleutian low(AL). For example, the weak AL in AMO|-displays warmer surface temperatures over the entire Far East and along the Russian Arctic coast and into Northern Europe,but only over the Russian Far East in AMO|+. Similarly, precipitation decreases over central Europe with the weak AL in AMO|-, but decreases over northern Europe and increases over southern Europe in AMO|+.The mechanism underlying the influence of AMO|-on the AIS can be described as follows: AMO|-weakens the upward component of the Eliassen–Palm flux along the polar waveguide by reducing atmospheric blocking occurrence over the Euro–Atlantic sector, and hence drives an enhanced stratospheric polar vortex. With the intensified polar night jet, the wave trains originating over the central North Pacific can propagate horizontally through North America and extend into the North Atlantic, favoring an eastward-extended Pacific–North America–Atlantic pattern, and resulting in a significant AIS at the surface during late winter.

阿留申低压与东亚冬季风关系的年代际变化

东亚冬季风系统是北半球冬季最活跃的环流系统,通过与西伯利亚高压、阿留申低压、东亚大槽和东亚西风急流等系统之间的相互作用,对东亚地区的气候产生重要影响。本文主要关注阿留申低压与东亚冬季风关系的年代际变化特征,利用经验正交函数分析方法,提取阿留申低压的强度变化、南北移动、西北-东南传播型和东西移动模态,并研究这4种模态与冬季风的北部型、南部型模态关系。结果表明阿留申低压的强度变化与2种东亚冬季风型的关系都不显著。阿留申低压的南北移动与南部型冬季风的相关性较强且具有年代际变化特征。1995年后南北涛动中心受ENSO(El Ni1o-Southern Oscillation)影响向东移动,阿留申低压和西伯利亚高压的配置不利于中国东南部气压梯度的形成,导致阿留申低压的南北移动与南部型冬季风的相关性降低。另外,1975年后北大西洋涛动在中西伯利亚地区激发正位势高度异常,扩大传播型模态影响范围,给中高纬地区带来东北风异常,有利于北部型冬季风的形成,此时传播型模态与北部型冬季风显著相关。东亚冬季风系统是北半球冬季最活跃的环流系统,通过与西伯利亚高压、阿留申低压、东亚大槽和东亚西风急流等系统之间的相互作用,对东亚地区的气候产生重要影响。本文主要关注阿留申低压与东亚冬季风关系的年代际变化特征,利用经验正交函数分析方法,提取阿留申低压的强度变化、南北移动、西北-东南传播型和东西移动模态,并研究这4种模态与冬季风的北部型、南部型模态关系。结果表明阿留申低压的强度变化与2种东亚冬季风型的关系都不显著。阿留申低压的南北移动与南部型冬季风的相关性较强且具有年代际变化特征。1995年后南北涛动中心受ENSO(El NinoSouthern Oscillation)影响向东移动,阿留申低压和西伯利亚高压的配置不利于中国东南部气压梯度的形成,导致阿留申低压的南北移动与南部型冬季风的相关性降低。另外,1975年后北大西洋涛动在中西伯利亚地区激发正位势高度异常,扩大传播型模态影响范围,给中高纬地区带来东北风异常,有利于北部型冬季风的形成,此时传播型模态与北部型冬季风显著相关。

The Influence of Meridional Variation in North Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies on the Arctic Stratospheric Polar Vortex

This study examines the dependence of Arctic stratospheric polar vortex(SPV)variations on the meridional positions of the sea surface temperature(SST)anomalies associated with the first leading mode of North Pacific SST.The principal component 1(PC1)of the first leading mode is obtained by empirical orthogonal function decomposition.Reanalysis data,numerical experiments,and CMIP5 model outputs all suggest that the PC1 events(positive-minus-negative PC1 events),located relatively northward(i.e.,North PC1 events),more easily weaken the Arctic SPV compared to the PC1 events located relatively southward(i.e.,South PC1 events).The analysis indicates that the North PC1-related Aleutian low anomaly is located over the northern North Pacific and thus enhances the climatological trough,which strengthens the planetary-scale wave 1 at mid-to-high latitudes and thereby weakens the SPV.The weakened stratospheric circulation further extends into the troposphere and favors negative surface temperature anomalies over Eurasia.By contrast,the South PC1-related Aleutian low anomaly is located relatively southward,and its constructive interference with the climatological trough is less efficient at high latitudes.Thus,the South PC1 events could not induce an evident enhancement of the planetary-scale waves at high latitudes and thereby a weakening of the SPV on average.The Eurasian cooling associated with South PC1 events(positive-minus-negative PC1 events)is also not prominent.The results of this study suggest that the meridional positions of the PC1 events may be useful for predicting the Arctic SPV and Eurasian surface temperature variations.

阿留申低压四种环流指数的分析和比较

分析和比较了20世纪90年代以来不同学者提出的阿留申低压(AleutianLow,AL)四种强度指数(Ii,i=1,4)、两种中心位置指数(λi、φi,i=3、4)的时频特征及其与同期北半球太平洋海面温度、气温、降水的相关联系。结果表明:1)强度指数Ii、i=2,4演变特征最相似;20世纪70年代中期之前AL偏弱,之后AL偏强;近年来又出现AL偏弱趋势。因I1为5个月平均场中AL的强度指数,故它与Ii、i=2,4差别较大。2)两种中心位置指数地理分布区域(λc3,φc3)大于(λc4,φc4),这与平均时段长短及中心位置指数定义差别有关。λc4由偏西转向偏东较λc3提早约5a,它与Ii、i=2,4的一致性更好。3)在强ElNin～o事件中,AL加强、中心位置偏东,强LaNin～a事件则相反。强度指数I2、I4和位置指数λc4反映上述关系较好。4)AL偏强、偏东年,中纬北太平洋区域低温、少雨,北太平洋东北部至北美西北部气温偏高、降水偏多,而北美南部气温偏低、降水偏少;反之亦然。

白令海楚科奇海的海冰范围变化特征

白令海和楚科奇海位于北极太平洋一侧的海冰外缘线附近,具有较强烈的气冰海相互作用.采用滑动t检验和小波分析方法对白令海和楚科奇海1953—2004年海冰范围的年际变化、年代际变化和总体趋势变化进行分析.结果表明:20世纪70年代后期,海冰范围在白令海存在显著的均值突变现象,而楚科奇海在对应阶段则表现为更明显的变频现象;在突变点前后两个时段里,阿留申低压中心低压加强、核心位置偏移以及对应风场分布的变化是导致白令海海冰范围明显缩小的主要动力原因.楚科奇海海冰范围的年际变化中存在由低频向高频变化的现象,该现象除了在局地气温变化中存在之外,在北冰洋区域风涡度、波弗特海纬向风、东西伯利亚海经向风等动力因素中也有所体现.因此,除热力因素外,动力因素引起的海冰的平流与该变频现象也存在一定的联系.

北太平洋热含量的年代际变化特征及其与阿留申低压的关系

使用经验正交函数(EOF)等方法,分析了北太平洋(20°～60°N,120°E～120°W)上层海洋热含量(HST)、海表面气压(SLP)、海表感热和潜热通量的年代际变化特征,并探讨了北太平洋HST与阿留申低压在年代际时间尺度上的关系。研究表明:第1特征向量能很好地代表北太平洋HST年代际尺度上的时间和空间变化特征。在近50a中,北太平洋HST具有明显的年代际变化特征,周期约为25a,其中在20世纪60年代中后期到90年代初存在一个较强的完整周期震荡。变化中心位于38°N左右的西北太平洋,且在155°W处向南延伸。根据北太平洋上层海洋HST的冷、暖异常和增、减热趋势,年代际背景场可分为冷态和暖态以及增热期和减热期。对比研究发现,在年代际尺度上,北太平洋上层海洋热含量的增、减热过程通过影响以西北太平洋为中心的海表热通量,进而对阿留申低压有一定的控制作用。热含量增热过程对应于弱的阿留申低压,减热过程对应于强的阿留申低压,阿留申低压的响应一般滞后热含量增、减热趋势变化1～2a。北太平洋年代际背景场对其年际变化有较强的调制作用,且这种年际变化跟ENSO事件有一定的对应关系。

近50年东中国海潜热通量的变化

利用1958—2006年OAFlux热通量资料,分析了东中国海海域潜热通量的长期变化特征,并探讨了与局地和太平洋海域影响因素的关系。结果表明:近50 a东中国海潜热通量显著增加,沿黑潮主轴增幅最大。通过分析阿留申低压区(30°N～60°N,160°E～140°W)风场的变化,发现其风应力旋度与东中国海潜热通量变化的主要影响因素海气比湿差存在显著的正相关,表明可能是北太平洋风应力旋度的变化而不是东中国海域风场的变化导致了潜热的长期增加。超前和滞后相关分析表明,东中国潜热通量的变化比北太平洋风应力旋度的变化存在4 a左右的延迟,可能是副热带环流对风场变化调整所需的时间。

北半球冬季阿留申低压-冰岛低压相关关系的年代际变化及其模拟

使用多种长期观测和再分析资料，分析了北半球冬季阿留申低压和冰岛低压相关关系的年代际变化。结果表明，两低压存在显著的负相关关系，使北太平洋和北大西洋海平面气压形成跷跷板式的变化（Aleutian Low-Icelandic Low Seesaw, AIS）。此外，AIS还存在显著的年代际变化，在1935～1949年和1980年后较为显著，其余时期并不显著。对1980年代的年代际转变分析表明，太平洋年代际振荡（Pacific Decadal Oscillation，PDO）在1970年代末的位相转变是AIS这次年代际转变的主要原因。PDO由负位相转变为正位相，使全球大部分大洋海表温度升高，而北太平洋海表温度降低，两低压显著变深，低压南部西风增强，从而通过 Rossby 波的频散效应使两低压强度形成显著负相关。1930年代中期的年代际转变与此类似，但强度较弱。同时，年代际背景的变化也影响到两低压的年际变化。在给定海表温度和海冰分布的驱动下，大气环流模式IAP AGCM4能基本模拟出AIS年代际转变的过程和机理，但仍存在一些偏差。

白令海海盆上层环流年际特征及初步机制研究

通过统计方法,利用一套海洋同化数据分析了白令海海盆上层环流年际变化特征及其与阿留申低压的相关性。结果表明,海盆上层环流受阿留申低压的调制在研究的时间范围内存在周期为3~4 a为主的年际变化,年际尺度上海盆上层环流与阿留申低压强度以及阿留申低压在180°以西的强度都存在显著相关性。1976年的太平洋年代际调整后,EINino事件的频率大大提高,阿留申低压中心位置的东移与阿留申低压强度的增强有极好的一致性,这很可能是阿留申低压在180°以西的强度与海盆上层环流强度呈负相关的主要原因。

阿留申低压一组环流指数与北半球海气异常的关系

定义了一组描述冬季季、月平均1 000 h Pa位势高度上阿留申低压(Aleutian low,AL)状态的新环流指数,包括强度指数P、面积指数S及中心位置指数(λ_c,φ_c)。采用1948/1949—2007/2008年60个冬季的NCEP/NCAR平均高度场资料计算了上述环流指数,并据此分析了AL的气候及异常规律。结果表明:1)AL在1月最强,中心偏南、偏西;12月最弱,中心偏北、偏东;2月居中。2)AL指数P与λ_c之间存在负相关,强年('<0)偏东(λ'>0)、弱年偏西。AL年代际变化主要表现在自20世纪70年代以来持续偏强、偏东,但近年有反转的迹象。3)AL在强El Nio年偏强、偏东,在强La Nia年相反,该关系自1975年以后尤其明显;AL与中纬太平洋海表温度(SST)存在显著正相关,SST负异常年AL东移加强,反之亦然。4)AL指数P与同期北半球中高纬气温、降水的显著相关区呈现"+-+"大圆波列分布,相关中心分别位于中纬度北太平洋、北美西北部、北美南部,与太平洋—北美遥相关型(PNA)接近。

Study on time-spatial changes and sudden characteristic of Winter Mongolia High

Based on the 155 years global monthly mean sea surface pressure data （Jan. 1850-Dec. 2004） from Hadley Centre, the time spatial change and sudden characteristics of the Winter Mongolia High are studied. First, the winter SLP distribution in Asia and the North Pacific are analyzed by the EOF method. Second, main cycle sequences of the Winter Mongolia High are reconstructed by the Singular Spectrum Analysis method, with special emphasis on the interdecadal periodic changes. Finally, the abrupt climate change is examined by the Mann-Kendall method. Results show that the Winter Mongolia High has quasi-biennial oscillation and a 3-4-year cycle of interannual change, also has a decadal variation for the 13-14-year cycle and interdecadal cycles for 20-21 years and 35-36 years. The 20-21-year cycle of WMHI is of the opposite phase to Aleutian Low, while the 35-36-year cycle is of the same phase. Otherwise, a significant abrupt climate change point in 1927 has been detected.

近50年阿留申低压地区凝结加热的变化

利用1948-2003年NCEP再分析凝结加热率资料，研究了北太平洋地区整层凝结加热的季节演变，着重研究了阿留申低压地区（30-50°N，160-210°E）凝结加热的长期变化，探讨了它对北太平洋年代际变率可能的反馈。研究表明：冬季阿留申低压地区上空存在较强的凝结加热，它与阿留申低压的强度存在显著的正相关关系；该处凝结加热的垂直分布不均匀可引起大气环流热力适应，从而可能有利于阿留申低压的加强；该处凝结加热在20世纪70年代末发生了一次明显的阶段性转折，70年代末以后增强，它可能对阿留申低压的强度形成反馈，从而有利于阿留申低压在70年代末以后加强。作者进一步讨论了该处凝结加热发生这种阶段性转折的原因和传播机制。

阿留申低压低频变化及其相关的瞬变动力学过程分析

利用NCEP/NCAR 1979—2013年的再分析资料,研究了冬季阿留申低压低频变化的环流特征,探讨了阿留申低压低频变化形成和维持的相关天气尺度瞬变强迫机制。冬季阿留申低压的低频变化在850 h Pa环流场上表现为北太平洋海盆区一个异常气旋/异常反气旋在局地强弱变化的过程,即阿留申低压在低频尺度上先异常增强/减弱随后逐渐恢复正常态的演变过程;850 h Pa上大气温度低频变化表现为低频冷中心在西北太平洋建立并逐渐东移的过程。对天气尺度瞬变扰动活动及其强迫的异常进行分析表明,北太平洋海盆区上空的瞬变动力强迫在阿留申低压异常增强的时期为负异常,有利于阿留申低压低频变化异常空间型的形成和维持。由瞬变热力强迫异常引起的温度倾向异常场表现为北太平洋中部以40°N为界南正—北负的空间分布,其南部正异常在一定程度上抑制和削弱了低频冷中心向南的扩张。