Multiscale Combined Action and Disturbance Characteristics of Pre-summer Extreme Precipitation Events over South China

The dominant frequency modes of pre-summer extreme precipitation events(EPEs)over South China(SC)between1998 and 2018 were investigated.The 67 identified EPEs were all characterized by the 3-8-d(synoptic)frequency band.However,multiscale combined modes of the synoptic and three low-frequency bands[10-20-d(quasi-biweekly,QBW);15-40-d(quasi-monthly,QM);and 20-60-d(intraseasonal)]accounted for the majority(63%)of the EPEs,and the precipitation intensity on the peak wet day was larger than that of the single synoptic mode.It was found that EPEs form within strong southwesterly anomalous flows characterized by either lower-level cyclonic circulation over SC or a deep trough over eastern China.Bandpass-filtered disturbances revealed the direct precipitating systems and their life cycles.Synoptic-scale disturbances are dominated by mid-high latitude troughs,and the cyclonic anomalies originate from downstream of the Tibetan Plateau(TP).Given the warm and moist climate state,synoptic-scale northeasterly flows can even induce EPEs.At the QBW and QM scales,the disturbances originate from the tropical Pacific,downstream of the TP,or mid-high latitudes(QBW only).Each is characterized by cyclonic-anticyclonic wave trains and intense southwesterly flows between them within a region of large horizontal pressure gradient.The intraseasonal disturbances are confined to tropical regions and influence SC by marginal southwesterly flows.It is concluded that low-frequency disturbances provide favorable background conditions for EPEs over SC and synoptic-scale disturbances ultimately induce EPEs on the peak wet days.Both should be simultaneously considered for EPE predictions over SC.

Moisture Transport and Associated Background Circulation for the Regional Extreme Precipitation Events over South China in Recent 40 Years

Based on the hourly precipitation data at 176 observational stations over south China and the hourly ERA5reanalysis data during the 40-yr period of 1981-2020, we analyzed the universal characteristics of moisture transport and their associated background circulations for four types of regional extreme precipitation events(REPEs) over south China. Main findings are shown as follow.(i) The wind that transported moisture for the REPEs over south China featured a notable diurnal variation, which was consistent with the variations of the precipitation.(ii) Four types of REPEs could be determined, among which the southwest type(SWT) and the southeast type(SET) accounted for ~92%and ~5.7%, respectively, ranking the first and second, respectively.(iii) Trajectory analyses showed that the air particles of the SWT-REPEs had the largest specific humidity and experienced the most intense ascending motion, and therefore their precipitation was the strongest among the four types.(iv) South China was dominated by notable moisture flux convergence for the four types of REPEs, but their moisture transport was controlled by different flow paths.(v)Composite analyses indicated that the background circulation of the four types of REPEs showed different features,particularly for the intensity, location and coverage of a western Pacific subtropical high. For the SWT-REPEs, their moisture transport was mainly driven by a lower-tropospheric strong southwesterly wind band in the low-latitude regions. Air particles for this type of REPEs mainly passed over the Indochina Peninsula and South China Sea. For the SET-REPEs, their moisture transport was mainly steered by a strong low-tropospheric southeasterly wind northeast of a transversal trough. Air particles mainly passed over the South China Sea for this type of REPEs.

Analysis of the Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Extreme Precipitation Events in Liaoning Province

Daily precipitation amounts from 1961 to 2005 in 35 observation stations in Liaoning Province were selected in order to study the temporal and spatial distribution of extreme precipitation events.By dint of EOF,REOF,mean-square-error and other ways,the changes in different regions of extreme precipitation and distribution were reflected.The analysis showed that,extreme precipitation in Liaoning Province could be divided into three areas,which were western Liaoning mountains and parts of northern areas,eastern Liaoning mountainous,near-coastal areas of Liaohe River Plain.In the relatively large precipitation areas,extreme precipitation threshold was also higher,and vice versa.The lower frequency of extreme precipitation events had a greater contribution to total precipitation;extreme precipitation,total precipitation and total rain days had the greatest changes in the summer,and the least changes in the winter;number of days of extreme precipitation changes in each season were not great;the change of extreme precipitation was not obvious in the long term.

Trend of extreme precipitation events over China in last 40 years

Using the daily precipitation data of 740 stations in China from 1960 to 2000, the analysis on the variations and distributions of the frequency and the percentage of extreme precipitation to the annual rainfall have been performed in this paper. Results indicate that the percentage of heavy rains （above 25mm/day） in the annual rainfall has increased, while on average the day number of heavy rains has slightly reduced during the past 40 years. In the end of 1970s and the beginning of 1980s, both the number of days with extreme precipitation and the percentage of extreme precipitation abruptly changed over China, especially in the northern China. By moving t test, the abrupt change year of extreme precipitation for each station and its spatial distribution over the whole country are also obtained. The abrupt change years concentrated in 1978-1982 for most regions of northern China while occurred at various stations in southern China in greatly different/diverse years. Besides the abrupt change years of extreme precipitation at part stations of Northwest China happened about 5 years later in comparison with that of the country＇s average.

Complex patterns of precipitation and extreme events during 1951-2011 in Sichuan Basin, Southwestern China

Sichuan Basin is located in southwestern China and affected by a complex water vapor （WV） sources. Here, the spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation and extreme events are investigated by six indices of World Meteorology Organization Commission, including annual precipitation total （AP）, maximum daily precipitation （Maxld）, intensity of rainfall over 1 mm/d （IR1）, maximum and mean consecutive dry days （Max CDD, Mean CDD） and coefficient of variance. Based on 24 daily precipitation time series from 1951 to 2o11, Mann-Kendall test is employed to quantify the significant level of these indices, from which the classification of precipitation change and its spatial patterns are obtained. Meanwhile, the probability distributions of these indices are identified by L-moment analysis and the Goodness-of-fit test, and the corresponding values are calculated by theoretical model at different return periods. The results reveal that the western basin displays normal drought： less AP and precipitation intensity while longer drought. The southern basin shows normal increase： larger AP and precipitation intensity but shorter CDD. However, in hilly region of the central basin and the transition zone between basin and mountains, precipitation changes abnormally： increasing both drought （one or both of Mean CDD and MaxCDD） and precipitation intensity （one or both of Maxld and trend of AP is. Probability IR1） no matter what the distribution models also demonstrate the complex patterns： a negative correlation between Maxld and Max CDD in the west （R2≥0.61） while a positive correlation in the east （R2≥0.41） at all return periods. These patterns are induced by the changes in WV sources and the layout of local terrain. The increase of WV in summer and decrease in spring leads to the heavier rainfall and longer drought respectively. The large heat island effect of the basin contributes to a lower temperature in transition zones and more precipitation in the downwind area. These results are helpful in reevaluating the risk regionally and making better decisions on water resources management and disaster prevention.

Responses of gross primary productivity to different sizes of precipitation events in a temperate grassland ecosystem in Inner Mongolia, China

Changes in the sizes of precipitation events in the context of global climate change may have profound impacts on ecosystem productivity in arid and semiarid grasslands. However, we still have little knowledge about to what extent grassland productivity will respond to an individual precipitation event. In this study, we quantified the duration, the maximum, and the time-integrated amount of the response of daily gross primary productivity (GPP) to an individual precipitation event and their variations with different sizes of precipitation events in a typical temperate steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. Results showed that the duration of GPP-response (τR) and the maximum absolute GPP-response (GPPmax) increased linearly with the sizes of precipitation events (Pes), driving a corresponding increase in time-integrated amount of the GPP-response (GPPtotal) because variations of GPPtotal were largely explained by τR and GPPmax. The relative contributions of these two parameters to GPPtotal were strongly Pes-dependent. The GPPmax contributed more to the variations of GPPtotal when Pes was relatively small (<20 mm), whereas τR was the main driver to the variations of GPPtotal when Pes was relatively large. In addition, a threshold size of at least 5 mm of precipitation was required to induce a GPP-response for the temperate steppe in this study. Our work has important implications for the modeling community to obtain an advanced understanding of productivity-response of grassland ecosystems to altered precipitation regimes.

Spatial-temporal Variation of Extreme Precipitation Events in Northwest China During 1961-2010

Using the daily precipitation data of 118 meteorological stations in Northwest China from January 1, 1961 to December 31,2010, we analyzed extreme precipitation events from prime precipitation data by applying R-language Climate Index （RClimDex）. The spatial-temporal change characteristics in the past 50 years have been examined using the method of trend analysis, Mann-Kendall and the spatial analysis module of Arcgis9.2. The results show that the spatial distribution of the indices for extreme precipitation in Northwest China is greatly influenced by geographic location, atmospheric circulation and topography, and the spatial difference of extreme precipitation events is very evident, while the indices reduce from the southeast to the northwest except Consecutive Dry Days （CDD）. In Xinjiang region, high values appear in Tianshan Mountains and decrease towards the south and north respectively. In the past 50 years, the temporal variation tendency of the indices for extreme precipitation in Northwest China has a great spatial distinction. It shows that the variation tendency is opposite between the east （decrease） and the west （increase）, and CDD has a decreasing tendency while other indices increase. For each region, it is found that the indices for extreme precipitation in Xinjiang and Qinghai Province shows an increasing trend, and it is remarkable in Tianshan Mountains, the north of Xinjiang and the northeast of Qinghai Province. The temporal variation tendency of the indices for extreme precipitation in Ningxia, Shaanxi and Gansu has a large spatial distinction. The stations which have an increasing tend are mainly found in the north of Ningxia, south of Shaanxi and Hexi Corridor of Gansu. However, the south of Ningxia, north of Shaanxi and Longnan of Gansu Province mainly present a decreasing trend. The temporal variation tendency of the indices for extreme precipitation in Inner Mongolia is not obvious. Overall, the east part of Northwest China has a dry tendency, while the west part has an opposite trend.

Contribution of intraseasonal oscillation to long-duration summer precipitation events over southern China

Precipitation events spanning multiple days may have consequences different from those limited to a single day.In the present paper,the authors analyze circulation anomalies and precursory signals associated with long-duration（over 14 days） summer precipitation events over southern China.The results show that the over-14-day precipitation events are induced by an anomalous lowertropospheric（850-hPa） cyclone over the South China Sea（SCS） and southern China.The anomalous westerly winds to the south of the anomalous cyclone can be traced to north of New Guinea 30 days before.To the north of anomalous westerly winds,anomalous easterly winds appear later.The anomalous westerly and easterly winds form a cyclonic anomaly,moving northward and slightly westward during the following days and eventually controlling the SCS and southern China.The northward movement of anomalous westerly and easterly winds can also be found in the 30-60-day filtered wind field.This implies that the northward propagating 30-60-day intraseasonal oscillation from the equatorial western Pacific has an important contribution to over-14-day precipitation events over southern China.

Changes in Typhoon Regional Heavy Precipitation Events over China from 1960 to 2018

In earlier studies,objective techniques have been used to determine the contribution of tropical cyclones to precipitation(TCP)in a region,where the Tropical cyclone Precipitation Event(TPE)and the Regional Heavy Precipitation Events(RHPEs)are defined and investigated.In this study,TPE and RHPEs are combined to determine the Typhoon Regional Heavy Precipitation Events(TRHPEs),which is employed to evaluate the contribution of tropical cyclones to regional extreme precipitation events.Based on the Objective Identification Technique for Regional Extreme Events(OITREE)and the Objective Synoptic Analysis Technique(OSAT)to define TPE,temporal and spatial overlap indices are developed to identify the combined events as TRHPE.With daily precipitation data and TC best-track data over the western North Pacific from 1960 to 2018,86 TRHPEs have been identified.TRHPEs contribute as much as 20%of the RHPEs,but100%of events with extreme individual precipitation intensities.The major TRHPEs continued for approximately a week after tropical cyclone landfall,indicating a role of post landfall precipitation.The frequency and extreme intensity of TRHPEs display increasing trends,consistent with an observed positive trend in the mean intensity of TPEs as measured by the number of daily station precipitation observations exceeding 100 mm and 250 mm.More frequent landfalling Southeast and South China TCs induced more serious impacts in coastal areas in the Southeast and the South during 1990-2018 than1960-89.The roles of cyclone translation speed and"shifts"in cyclone tracks are examined as possible explanations for the temporal trends.

Analysis of a Vortex Precipitation Event over Southwest China Using AIRS and In Situ Measurements

A strong precipitation event caused by the southwest vortex（SWV）, which affected Sichuan Province and Chongqing municipality in Southwest China on 10–14 July 2012, is investigated. The SWV is examined using satellite observations from AIRS（Atmospheric Infrared Sounder）, in situ measurements from the SWV intensive observation campaign, and MICAPS（Marine Interactive Computer-Aided Provisioning System） data. Analysis of this precipitation process revealed that：（1）heavy rain occurred during the development phase, and cloud water content increased significantly after the dissipation of the SWV;（2） the area with low outgoing longwave radiation values from AIRS correlated well with the SWV;（3） variation of the temperature of brightness blackbody（TBB） from AIRS reflected the evolution of the SWV, and the values of TBB reduced significantly during the SWV＇s development; and（4） strong temperature and water vapor inversions were noted during the development of the SWV. The moisture profile displayed large vertical variation during the SWV＇s puissant phase,with the moisture inversion occurring at low levels. The moisture content during the receding phase was significantly reduced compared with that during the developing and puissant phases. The vertical flux of vapor divergence explained the variation of the moisture profile. These results also indicate the potential for using AIRS products in studying severe weather over the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings, where in situ measurements are sparse.

A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF SPRING INDIAN OCEAN SSTA ON SUMMER EXTREME PRECIPITATION EVENTS OVER THE EASTERN NW CHINA

Based on monthly mean wind,geopotential height,specific humidity,and surface pressure of NCAR/NCEP reanalysis,NOAA-reconstructed sea surface temperature (SST) of the Indian Ocean,and daily precipitation data at 97 meteorological stations over the eastern NW China in the past 47 years,the threshold values for extreme precipitation events (EPE) are defined using the percentile method.Singular Value Decomposition and synthetic analysis methods are used to analyze the relationship between summer EPE in the eastern NW China and SSTA in the preceding fall,winter,spring,and the concurrent summer.The result shows that preceding spring SST anomalies (SSTA) in the Indian Ocean are clear indicators for the forecast of summer EPE in the eastern NW China,and a key area of impact is located in the equatorial Indian Ocean.When spring SST is anomalously high in the equatorial Indian Ocean,the meridional circulation averaged over 100°E-110°E will be anomalously ascending near the equator but anomalously descending near 30°N in the middle and upper troposphere from the concurrent to the subsequent summer.In the meantime,the Southwest Monsoon from the Indian Ocean will be anomalously weak and there will be no anomalous water vapor transport to the eastern NW China,resulting in a lack of EPE in the subsequent summer,and vice versa.In addition,in response to anomalously high SST in the equatorial Indian Ocean in spring,the South Asia high pressure tends to be strong in the subsequent summer and more to the west.In the anomalously low SST year,however,the South Asia high tends to be weak in the subsequent summer and more to the east.This is another possible cause of the variation of summer EPE in the eastern NW China.

The Contribution of Mesoscale Convective Systems to Intense Hourly Precipitation Events during the Warm Seasons over Central East China

Central East China is an area where both intense hourly precipitation（IHP） events and mesoscale convection systems（MCSs） occur frequently in the warm seasons. Based on mosaics of composite Doppler radar reflectivity and hourly precipitation data during the warm seasons（May to September） from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2011, the contribution of MCSs to IHP events exceeding 20 mm h^-1 over central East China was evaluated. An MCS was defined as a continuous or quasicontinuous band of 40d BZ reflectivity that extended for at least 100 km in at least one direction and lasted for at least 3h. It was found that the contribution of MCSs to IHP events was 45% on average over central East China. The largest contribution,more than 80%, was observed along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and in the Yangtze River–Huaihe River valleys.These regions were the source regions of MCSs, or along the frequent tracks of MCSs. There were two daily peaks in the numbers of IHP events： one in the late afternoon and one in the early morning. These peaks were more pronounced in July than in other months. MCSs contributed more to the early-morning IHP event peaks than to the late-afternoon peaks. The contributions of MCSs to IHP events with different intensities exhibited no significant difference, which fluctuated around 50% on average over central East China.

Chemical characteristics of precipitation and the indicative significance for sand dust events in the northern and southern slopes of Wushaoling Mountain, northwestern China

Precipitation chemistry analysis is essential to evaluate the atmospheric environmental quality and identify the sources of atmospheric pollutants. In this study, we collected a total of 480 precipitation samples at 6 sampling sites in the northern and southern slopes of Wushaoling Mountain from May 2013 to July 2014 to analyze the chemical characteristics of precipitation and to identify the main sources of ions in precipitation. Furthermore, we also explored the indicative significance for sand dust events in the northern and southern slopes of Wushaoling Mountain based on the precipitation chemistry analysis.During the sampling period（from May 2013 to July 2014）, the p H values, EC（electrical conductivity）values and concentrations of cations（Ca^（2＋）, Mg^（2＋）, Na~＋, K~＋ and NH_4~＋） and anions（SO_4^（2–）, NO_3~–, Cl~–, NO_2~– and F~–） in precipitation were different in the northern and southern slopes at daily and seasonal time scales, with most of the values being higher in the northern slope than in the southern slope. The chemical type of precipitation in the southern and northern slopes was the same, i.e.,SO_4^（2–）-Ca^（2＋）-NO_3~–-Na~＋. The concentrations of ions in precipitation were mainly controlled by terrigenous material and anthropogenic activities（with an exception of Cl~–）. The concentration of Cl~– in precipitation was mainly controlled by the sea salt fraction. The concentrations of Na＋ and Cl~– showed an increasing trend after the occurrence of sand dust events both in the northern and southern slopes. In addition, after the occurrence of sand dust events, the concentrations of K~＋, Mg^（2＋）, SO_4^（2–）, NO_3~– and Ca^（2＋） showed an increasing trend in the southern slope and a decreasing trend in the northern slope. It is our hope that the results may be helpful to further understand the atmospheric pollution caused by sand dust events in the Wushaoling Mountain and can also provide a scientific basis for the effective prevention of atmospheric pollution.

Characteristics and Cause Analysis of Variations in Light Precipitation Events in the Central and Eastern Tibetan Plateau,China,During 1961–2019

The Tibetan Plateau(TP)is one of the most sensitive areas and is more susceptible to climate change than other regions in China.The TP also experiences extremely frequent light precipitation events compared to precipitation of other intensities.However,the definition,influencing factors,and characteristics of light precipitation in the TP have not been accurately explained.This study investigated the variation characteristics of light precipitation with intensities(Pre)of 0.1-10.0 mm/d based on climate data from 53 meteorological stations over the central and eastern TP from 1961 to 2019.For detailed analysis,light precipitation events were classified into five grades:G1[0.1-2.0 mm/d),G2[2.0-4.0 mm/d),G3[4.0-6.0 mm/d),G4[6.0-8.0 mm/d),and G5[8.0-10.0 mm/d).The results showed that both the amount of precipitation and number of precipitation days had increased significantly at rates of 4.0-6.0 mm/10 yr and 2.0-4.0 d/10 yr,respectively,and most precipitation events were of low intensity(0.1≤Pre<2.0 mm/d).Light precipitation events mainly occurred in the southeast of the study area,and it showed an increasing trend from the northwest to the southeast.Abrupt changes in light precipitation primarily occurred in the 1980 s.A comprehensive time series analysis using the Mann-Kendall test and Morlet wavelet was performed to characterize the abrupt changes and cycles of light precipitation.During the study period,the main periods of light precipitation corresponded to the 6 yr cycle,with obvious periodic oscillation characteristics,and this cycle coexisted with cycles of other scales.Significant correlations were observed between the amount of light precipitation and temperature over the study area.The findings will enhance our understanding of changes in light precipitation in the TP and provide Scientific basis for the definition of light precipitation in the future.

Analysis on Spatial and Temporal Changes of Extreme Precipitation Events in Ningxia in Recent 50 Years

[ Objective] The aim was to study the spatial and temporal changes of extreme precipitation events in Ningxia in recent 50 years. [ Method] Using dally precipitation data at 20 stations in Ningxia from 1961 to 2010, and defining the threshold value of extreme precipitation in each sta- tion by percentage method, choosing indicators such as precipitation, frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, the characteristics of the spatial and temporal distribution and linear trend of extreme precipitation events in Ningxia were analyzed based on linear regression and M-K non-parameter statistical test method. [ Result] The percentage method suggested the threshold value of average extreme precipitation in Ningxia in recent 50 years decreased from south to north. The large threshold value was in southern Haiyuan, Tongxin and northern Yancheng, which was similar to the distribution of mean annual precipitation in Ningxia. In recent 50 years, extreme precipitation frequency and extreme precipitation de- creased in most part of Ningxia but the intensity tended to strengthen. Study of extreme precipitation in Mahuang Mountain and Liupan Mountain in- dicated that precipitation frequency, intensity and extreme precipitation reduced. Annual extreme precipitation frequency narrowed and then in- creased after 1994 and had mutation in 2003. Annual extreme precipitation intensity enhanced since 1984. Mutation took place in 1984. Intensity in Liupan Mountain had weakened since 1978. [ Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for the mutation of climate in Ningxia.

On the Climatology of Persistent Heavy Rainfall Events in China

Persistent heavy rainfall events （PHR events） comprise one category of weather- and climate- related extreme events. Based on daily rainfall data measured in China during the period of 1951-2004, several quantitative criteria were developed to define PHR events by means of their precipitation intensity, temporal duration, spatial extent and persistence. Then a semi-objective classification based on these criteria was applied to summer daily rainfall data to identify all PHR events. A total of 197 events were observed during the study period. All events were further classified into 5 categories according to their comprehensive intensity; into 3 types according to their circulation regime; and into 8 groups according to the geographic locations of their rainbands. Based on these different classifications, finally, the behaviors of 130 PHR events identified as the most severe, severe and moderate categories since the year of 1951, including characteristics of the spatial and temporal distributions of their frequencies, intensities, and rainbands, were investigated in order to present a comprehensive description of the PHR events. The results will be helpful to the future study of revealing and understanding the processes that govern the production of the PHR events and to the improvement of the forecasts of the PHR events.

Changing features of extreme precipitation in the Yangtze River basin during 1961-2002

The total precipitation of the highest 1 day, 3 day, 5 day and 7 day precipitation amount （R1 D, R3D, R5D and R7D） in the Yangtze River basin was analyzed with the help of linear trend analysis and continuous wavelet transform method. The research results indicated that： 1） Spatial distribution of RID is similar in comparison with that of R3D, R5D and R7D. The Jialingjiang and Hanjiang river basins are dominated by decreasing trend, which is significant at 〉95% confidence level in Jialingjiang River basin and insignificant at 〉95% confidence level in Hanjiang River basin. The southern part of the Yangtze River basin and the western part of the upper Yangtze River basin are dominated by significant increasing trend of RID extreme precipitation at 〉95% confidence level. 2） As for the R3D, R5D and R7D, the western part of the upper Yangtze River basin is dominated by significant increasing trend at 〉95% confidence level. The eastern part of the upper Yangtze River basin is dominated by decreasing trend, but is insignificant at 〉95% confidence level. The middle and lower Yangtze River basin is dominated by increasing trend, but insignificant at 〉95% confidence level. 3） The frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events are intensified over time. Precipitation anomalies indicated that the southeastern part, southern part and southwestern part of the Yangtze River basin are dominated by positive extreme precipitation anomalies between 1993-2002 and 1961-1992. The research results of this text indicate that the occurrence probability of flash flood is higher in the western part of the upper Yangtze River basin and the middle and lower Yangtze River basin, esp. in the southwestern and southeastern parts of the Yangtze River basin.

SPATIO-TEMPORAL VARIATION CHARACTERISTICS OF EXTREMELY HEAVY PRECIPITATION FREQUENCY OVER SOUTH CHINA IN THE LAST 50 YEARS

This paper comprehensively studies the spatio-temporal characteristics of the frequency of extremely heavy precipitation events over South China by using the daily precipitation data of 110 stations during 1961 to 2008 and the extremely heavy precipitation thresholds determined for different stations by REOF, trend coefficients, linear trend, Mann-Kendall test and variance analysis. The results are shown as follows. The frequency distribution of extremely heavy precipitation is high in the middle of South China and low in the Guangdong coast and western Guangxi. There are three spatial distribution types of extremely heavy precipitation in South China. The consistent anomaly distribution is the main type. Distribution reversed between the east and the west and between the south and the north is also an important type. Extremely heavy precipitation events in South China mainly occurred in the summer-half of the year. Their frequency during this time accounts for 83.7% of the total frequency. In the 1960 s and 1980 s, extremely heavy precipitation events were less frequent while having an increasing trend from the late 1980 s. Their climatological tendency rates decrease in the central and rise in the other areas of South China, and on average the mean series also shows an upward but insignificant trend at all of the stations. South China's frequency of extremely heavy precipitation events can be divided into six major areas and each of them shows a different inter-annual trend and three of the representative stations experience abrupt changes by showing remarkable increases in terms of Mann-Kendall tests.

Analysis on Changes of Basic Climatic Elements and Extreme Events in Xinjiang, China during 1961-2010

By using the observation data from 89 weather stations in Xinjiang during 1961-2010, this paper analyzed the basic climatic elements including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, sunshine duration, water vapor pressure, and dust storm in the entire Xinjiang and the subareas: North Xinjiang, Tianshan Mountains, and South Xinjiang. The results indicate that from 1961 to 2010 the annual and seasonal mean temperatures in the entire Xinjiang show an increasing trend with the increasing rate rising from south to north. The increasing rate of annual mean minimum temperature is over twice more than that of the annual mean maximum temperature, contributing much to the increase in the annual averages. The magnitude of the decrease rate of low-temperature days is larger than the increase rate of high-temperature days. The increase of warm days and warm nights and the decrease of cold days and cold nights further reveal that the temperature increasing in Xinjiang is higher. In addition, annual and seasonal rainfalls have been increasing. South Xinjiang experiences higher increase in rainfall amounts than North Xinjiang and Tianshan Mountains. Annual rainy days, longest consecutive rainy days, the daily maximum precipitation and extreme precipitation events, annual torrential rain days and amount, annual blizzard days and amount, all show an increasing trend, corresponding to the increasing in annual mean water vapor pressure. This result shows that the humidity has increased with temperature increasing in the past 50 years. The decrease in annual mean wind speed and gale days lessen the impact of dust storm, sandstorm, and floating dust events. The increase in annual rainy days is the cause of the decrease in annual sunshine duration, while the increase in spring sunshine duration corresponds with the decrease in dust weather. Therefore, the increase in precipitation indicators, the decrease in gales and dust weather, and the increasing in sunshine duration in spring will be beneficial to crops growth.

Analysis of Pseudomomentum Wave-Activity Density in a Heavy Rainfall Event in East China

Taking into account moisture in virtue of general potential temperature,the author derive a three-dimensional(3D) pseudomomentum wave-activity relation for the moist atmosphere from the primitive equations in Cartesian coordinates using the Momentum-Casimir method.Since the wave-activity relation is constructed in an ageostrophic and non-hydrostatic dynamical framework,it may be applicable to diagnosing the evolution and propagation of mesoscale systems leading to heavy rainfall.The theoretical analysis shows that,besides the local change of wave-activity flux divergence and source or sink,the wave-activity relation includes two additional forcing terms.The first is the zonal gradient of difference between general potential temperature and potential temperature perturbations,and the second is the covariance of the solenoid and gradient of water vapor,denoting the direct influence of moisture on wave-activity density.The wave-activity density was applied to a heavy precipitation event occurring in the Jianghuai region of China.The calculation showed that the wave-activity density was consistent with 6-h accumulated precipitation observations,in terms of both spatial distribution and temporal tendency.This suggested that the disturbance represented by wave-activity density was closely related to the heavy precipitation.Although the wave-activity flux divergence and the covariance of the solenoid and gradient of water vapor made the primary contribution to the local change of wave-activity density,the covariance was more remarkable.The zonal gradient of difference between general potential temperature and potential temperature perturbations made a weaker contribution to the waveactivity density.