scholarly journals Causal Evidence that Rotational Moisture Advection is Critical to the Superparameterized Madden–Julian Oscillation

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 800-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Pritchard ◽  
Christopher S. Bretherton
Keyword(s):  
Control Parameter ◽  
Madden Julian Oscillation ◽  
Rotational Component ◽  
Global Models ◽  
Moisture Advection ◽  
Moisture Mode ◽  
Gross Moist Stability ◽  
Tropical Moisture ◽  
Lines Of Evidence ◽  
Opposite Response

Abstract The authors investigate the hypothesis that horizontal moisture advection is critical to the eastward propagation of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Consistent diagnostic evidence has been found in recent MJO-permitting global models viewed from the moisture-mode dynamical paradigm. To test this idea in a causal sense, tropical moisture advection by vorticity anomalies is artificially modulated in a superparameterized global model known to produce a realistic MJO signal. Boosting horizontal moisture advection by tropical vorticity anomalies accelerates and amplifies the simulated MJO in tandem with reduced environmental gross moist stability. Limiting rotational horizontal moisture advection shuts the MJO down. These sensitivities are robust in that they are nearly monotonic with respect to the control parameter and emerge despite basic-state sensitivities favoring the opposite response. Speedup confirms what several diagnostic lines of evidence already suggest—that anomalous moisture advection is fundamental to MJO propagation. The rotational component is shown to be especially critical. Amplification further suggests it may play a role in adiabatically maintaining the MJO.

scholarly journals Response of the Superparameterized Madden–Julian Oscillation to Extreme Climate and Basic-State Variation Challenges a Moisture Mode View

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (13) ◽  
pp. 4995-5008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Pritchard ◽  
Da Yang
Keyword(s):  
Climate Model ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Global Climate Model ◽  
Madden Julian Oscillation ◽  
Kelvin Wave ◽  
Moisture Advection ◽  
Moisture Mode ◽  
State Variation ◽  
Static Energy ◽  
Self Aggregation

Abstract The climate sensitivity of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is measured across a broad range of temperatures (1°–35°C) using a convection-permitting global climate model with homogenous sea surface temperatures. An MJO-like signal is found to be resilient in all simulations. These results are used to investigate two ideas related to the modern “moisture mode” view of MJO dynamics. The first hypothesis is that the MJO has dynamics analogous to a form of radiative convective self-aggregation in which longwave energy maintenance mechanisms shut down for SST ≪ 25°C. Inconsistent with this hypothesis, the explicitly simulated MJO survives cooling and retains leading moist static energy (MSE) budget terms associated with longwave destabilization even at SST < 10°C. Thus, if the MJO is a form of longwave-assisted self-aggregation, it is not one that is temperature critical, as is observed in some cases of radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) self-aggregation. The second hypothesis is that the MJO is propagated by horizontal advection of column MSE. Inconsistent with this view, the simulated MJO survives reversal of meridional moisture gradients in the basic state and a striking role for horizontal MSE advection in its propagation energy budget cannot be detected. Rather, its eastward motion is balanced by vertical MSE advection reminiscent of gravity or Kelvin wave dynamics. These findings could suggest a tight relation between the MJO and classic equatorial waves, which would tend to challenge moisture mode views of MJO dynamics that assume horizontal moisture advection as the MJO’s propagator. The simulation suite provides new opportunities for testing predictions from MJO theory across a broad climate regime.

Interactions between Water Vapor and Potential Vorticity in Synoptic-Scale Monsoonal Disturbances: Moisture Vortex Instability

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 2083-2106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ángel F. Adames ◽  
Yi Ming
Keyword(s):  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Baroclinic Instability ◽  
Relative Role ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Vortex Instability ◽  
Tropical Variability ◽  
Moisture Advection ◽  
Energy Gradient ◽  
Gross Moist Stability ◽  
Static Energy

AbstractSouth Asian monsoon low pressure systems, referred to as synoptic-scale monsoonal disturbances (SMDs), are convectively coupled cyclonic disturbances that are responsible for up to half of the total monsoon rainfall. In spite of their importance, the mechanisms that lead to the growth of these systems have remained elusive. It has long been thought that SMDs grow because of a variant of baroclinic instability that includes the effects of convection. Recent work, however, has shown that this framework is inconsistent with the observed structure and dynamics of SMDs. Here, we present an alternative framework that may explain the growth of SMDs and may also be applicable to other modes of tropical variability. Moisture is prognostic and is coupled to precipitation through a simplified Betts–Miller scheme. Interactions between moisture and potential vorticity (PV) in the presence of a moist static energy gradient can be understood in terms of a “gross” PV (qG) equation. The qG summarizes the dynamics of SMDs and reveals the relative role that moist and dry dynamics play in these disturbances, which is largely determined by the gross moist stability. Linear solutions to the coupled PV and moisture equations reveal Rossby-like modes that grow because of a moisture vortex instability. Meridional temperature and moisture advection to the west of the PV maximum moisten and destabilize the column, which results in enhanced convection and SMD intensification through vortex stretching. This instability occurs only if the moistening is in the direction of propagation of the SMD and is strongest at the synoptic scale.

Quasi-Equilibrium and Weak Temperature Gradient Balances in an Equatorial Beta-Plane Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-227
Author(s):  
Fiaz Ahmed ◽  
J. David Neelin ◽  
Ángel F. Adames
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Gradient ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Quasi Equilibrium ◽  
Wave Dynamics ◽  
Wave Solutions ◽  
Moisture Advection ◽  
Beta Plane ◽  
Zero Values ◽  
Gross Moist Stability

AbstractConvective quasi-equilibrium (QE) and weak temperature gradient (WTG) balances are frequently employed to study the tropical atmosphere. This study uses linearized equatorial beta-plane solutions to examine the relevant regimes for these balances. Wave solutions are characterized by moisture–temperature ratio (q–T ratio) and dominant thermodynamic balances. An empirically constrained precipitation closure assigns different sensitivities of convection to temperature (εt) and moisture (εq). Longwave equatorial Kelvin and Rossby waves tend toward the QE balance with q–T ratios of εt:εq that can be ~1–3. Departures from strict QE, essential to both precipitation and wave dynamics, grow with wavenumber. The propagating QE modes have reduced phase speeds because of the effective gross moist stability meff, with a further reduction when εt > 0. Moisture modes obeying the WTG balance and with large q–T ratios (>10) emerge in the shortwave regime; these modes exist with both Kelvin and Rossby wave meridional structures. In the υ = 0 case, long propagating gravity waves are absent and only emerge beyond a cutoff wavenumber. Two bifurcations in the wave solutions are identified and used to locate the spatial scales for QE–WTG transition and gravity wave emergence. These scales are governed by the competition between the convection and gravity wave adjustment times and are modulated by meff. Near-zero values of meff shift the QE–WTG transition wavenumber toward zero. Continuous transitions replace the bifurcations when meff < 0 or moisture advection/WISHE mechanisms are included, but the wavenumber-dependent QE and WTG balances remain qualitatively unaltered. Rapidly decaying convective/gravity wave modes adjust to the slowly evolving QE/WTG state in the longwave/shortwave regimes, respectively.

Sounding-Based Thermodynamic Budgets for DYNAMO

2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 598-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H. Johnson ◽  
Paul E. Ciesielski ◽  
James H. Ruppert ◽  
Masaki Katsumata
Keyword(s):  
Radiative Forcing ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Radiative Heating ◽  
Convective Heating ◽  
Madden Julian Oscillation ◽  
Heating Rates ◽  
Gross Moist Stability ◽  
Cumulus Congestus

Abstract The Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) field campaign, conducted over the Indian Ocean from October 2011 to March 2012, was designed to study the initiation of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Two prominent MJOs occurred in the experimental domain during the special observing period in October and November. Data from a northern and a southern sounding array (NSA and SSA, respectively) have been used to investigate the apparent heat sources and sinks (Q1 and Q2) and radiative heating rates QR throughout the life cycles of the two MJO events. The MJO signal was far stronger in the NSA than the SSA. Time series of Q1, Q2, and the vertical eddy flux of moist static energy reveal an evolution of cloud systems for both MJOs consistent with prior studies: shallow, nonprecipitating cumulus during the suppressed phase, followed by cumulus congestus, then deep convection during the active phase, and finally stratiform precipitation. However, the duration of these phases was shorter for the November MJO than for the October event. The profiles of Q1 and Q2 for the two arrays indicate a greater stratiform rain fraction for the NSA than the SSA—a finding supported by TRMM measurements. Surface rainfall rates and net tropospheric QR determined as residuals from the budgets show good agreement with satellite-based estimates. The cloud radiative forcing was approximately 20% of the column-integrated convective heating and of the same amplitude as the normalized gross moist stability, leaving open the possibility of radiative–convective instability for the two MJOs.

scholarly journals A Unified Moisture Mode Framework for Seasonality of the Madden–Julian Oscillation

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 4215-4224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianan Jiang ◽  
Ángel F. Adames ◽  
Ming Zhao ◽  
Duane Waliser ◽  
Eric Maloney
Keyword(s):  
Close Association ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Boreal Winter ◽  
Madden Julian Oscillation ◽  
Equatorial Wave ◽  
Moisture Mode ◽  
Northward Propagation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Moisture Pattern

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) exhibits pronounced seasonality. While it is largely characterized by equatorially eastward propagation during the boreal winter, MJO convection undergoes marked poleward movement over the Asian monsoon region during summer, producing a significant modulation of monsoon rainfall. In classical MJO theories that seek to interpret the distinct seasonality in MJO propagation features, the role of equatorial wave dynamics has been emphasized for its eastward propagation, whereas coupling between MJO convection and the mean monsoon flow is considered essential for its northward propagation. In this study, a unified physical framework based on the moisture mode theory, is offered to explain the seasonality in MJO propagation. Moistening and drying caused by horizontal advection of the lower-tropospheric mean moisture by MJO winds, which was recently found to be critical for the eastward propagation of the winter MJO, is also shown to play a dominant role in operating the northward propagation of the summer MJO. The seasonal variations in the mean moisture pattern largely shape the distinct MJO propagation in different seasons. The critical role of the seasonally varying climatological distribution of moisture for the MJO propagation is further supported by the close association between model skill in representing the MJO propagation and skill at producing the lower-tropospheric mean moisture pattern. This study thus pinpoints an important direction for climate model development for improved MJO representation during all seasons.

scholarly journals Gross Moist Stability Analysis: Assessment of Satellite-Based Products in the GMS Plane

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1819-1837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuniaki Inoue ◽  
Larissa E. Back
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Phase Plane ◽  
Critical Line ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Moist Static Energy ◽  
Geographic Variations ◽  
Moisture Mode ◽  
Gross Moist Stability ◽  
Static Energy ◽  
Diagnostic Applications

Abstract New diagnostic applications of the gross moist stability (GMS) are proposed with demonstrations using satellite-based data. The plane of the divergence of column moist static energy (MSE) against the divergence of column dry static energy (DSE), referred to as the GMS plane here, is utilized. In this plane, one can determine whether the convection is in the amplifying phase or in the decaying phase; if a data point lies below (above) a critical line in the GMS plane, the convection is in the amplifying (decaying) phase. The GMS plane behaves as a phase plane in which each convective life cycle can be viewed as an orbiting fluctuation around the critical line, and this property is robust even on the MJO time scale. This phase-plane behavior indicates that values of the GMS can qualitatively predict the subsequent convective evolution. This study demonstrates that GMS analyses possess two different aspects: time-dependent and quasi-time-independent aspects. Transitions of time-dependent GMS can be visualized in the GMS plane as an orbiting fluctuation around the quasi-time-independent GMS line. The time-dependent GMS must be interpreted differently from the quasi-time-independent one, and the latter is the GMS relevant to moisture-mode theories. The authors listed different calculations of the quasi-time-independent GMS: (i) as a regression slope from a scatterplot and (ii) as a climatological quantity, which is the ratio of climatological MSE divergence to climatological DSE divergence. It is revealed that the latter, climatological GMS, is less appropriate as a diagnostic tool. Geographic variations in the quasi-time-independent GMS are plotted.

Role of the Boundary Layer Moisture Asymmetry in Causing the Eastward Propagation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation*

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 4914-4931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pang-chi Hsu ◽  
Tim Li
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Tropical Indian Ocean ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Western Pacific ◽  
Moisture Budget ◽  
Madden Julian Oscillation ◽  
Maritime Continent ◽  
Moisture Advection ◽  
Leading Term

Abstract The moisture budget associated with the eastward-propagating Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) was diagnosed using 1979–2001 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data. A marked zonal asymmetry of the moisture relative to the MJO convection appears in the planetary boundary layer (PBL, below 700 hPa), creating a potentially more unstable stratification to the east of the MJO convection and favoring the eastward propagation of MJO. The PBL-integrated moisture budget diagnosis indicates that the vertical advection of moisture dominates the low-level moistening ahead of the convection. A further diagnosis indicates that the leading term in the vertical moisture advection is the advection of the background moisture by the MJO ascending flow associated with PBL convergence. The cause of the zonally asymmetric PBL convergence is further examined. It is found that heating-induced free-atmospheric wave dynamics account for 75%–90% of the total PBL convergence, while the warm SST anomaly induced by air–sea interaction contributes 10%–25% of the total PBL convergence. The horizontal moisture advection also plays a role in contributing to the PBL moistening ahead of the MJO convection. The leading term in the moisture advection is the advection across the background moisture gradient by the MJO flow. In the western Indian Ocean, Maritime Continent, and western Pacific, the meridional moisture advection by the MJO northerly flow dominates, while in the eastern Indian Ocean the zonal moisture advection is greater. The contribution of the moisture advection by synoptic eddies is in general small; it has a negative effect over the tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific and becomes positive in the Maritime Continent region.

scholarly journals The role of large-scale moistening by adiabatic lifting in the Madden-Julian Oscillation convective onset

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-49
Author(s):  
Chelsea E. Snide ◽  
Ángel F. Adames ◽  
Scott W. Powell ◽  
Víctor C. Mayta
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Madden Julian Oscillation ◽  
Onset Of Convection ◽  
Surface Heat Fluxes ◽  
Planetary Scale ◽  
Moisture Advection ◽  
The Indian Ocean

AbstractThe initiation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation over the Indian Ocean is examined through the use of a moisture budget that applies a version of the weak temperature gradient (WTG) approximation that does not neglect dry adiabatic vertical motions. Examination of this budget in ERA-Interim reveals that horizontal moisture advection and vertical advection by adiabatic lifting govern the moistening of the troposphere for both primary and successive MJO initiation events. For both types of initiation events, horizontal moisture advection peaks prior to the maximum moisture tendency, while adiabatic lifting peaks after the maximum moisture tendency. Once convection initiates, moisture is maintained by anomalous radiative and adiabatic lifting. Adiabatic lifting during successive MJO initiation is attributed to the return of the circumnavigating circulation from a previous MJO event, while in primary events the planetary-scale circulation appears to originate over South America. Examination of the same budget with data from the DYNAMO northern sounding array shows that adiabatic lifting contributes significantly to MJO maintenance, with a contribution that is comparable to that of surface heat fluxes. However, results from the DYNAMO data disagree with those from ERA-Interim over the importance of adiabatic lifting to the moistening of the troposphere prior to the onset of convection. In spite of these differences, the results from the two data sets show that small departures from WTG balance in the form of dry adiabatic motions cannot be neglected when considering MJO convective onset.

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