scholarly journals Filamentary structure in chemical tracer distributions near the subtropical jet following a wave breaking event

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 5039-5089 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ungermann ◽  
L. L. Pan ◽  
C. Kalicinsky ◽  
F. Olschewski ◽  
P. Knieling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Spatial Location ◽  
Trace Gas ◽  
Filamentary Structure ◽  
Air Mass ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Air Mass Types

Abstract. This paper presents a set of observations and analyses of trace gas cross-sections in the extratropical upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS). The spatially highly-resolved (≈0.5 km vertically and 12.5 km horizontally) cross-sections of ozone (O3), nitric acid (HNO3), and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), retrieved from the measurements of the CRISTA-NF infrared limb sounder flown on the Russian M55-Geophysica, revealed intricate layer structures in the region of the subtropical tropopause break. The chemical structure in this region shows an intertwined stratosphere and troposphere. The observed filaments in all discussed trace gases are of a spatial scale of less than 0.8 km vertically and about 200 km horizontally across the jet-stream. Backward trajectory calculations confirm that the observed filaments are the result of a breaking Rossby wave in the preceding days. An analysis of the trace gas relationships between PAN and O3 identifies four distinct groups of air mass: polluted subtropical tropospheric air, clean tropical upper-tropospheric air, the lowermost stratospheric air, and air from the deep stratosphere. The tracer relationships further allow the identification of tropospheric, stratospheric, and the transitional air mass made of a mixture of UT and LS air. Mapping of these air mass types onto the geo-spatial location in the cross-sections reveals a highly structured extratropical transition layer (ExTL). Finally, the ratio between the measured reactive nitrogen species (HNO3 + PAN + ClONO2) and O3 is analysed to estimate the influence of tropospheric pollution on the extratropical UTLS. In combination, these diagnostics provide the first example of a multi-species two-dimensional picture of a chemically inhomogeneous UTLS region. Since Rossby wave breaking occurs frequently in the region of the tropopause break, these observed fine scale filaments are likely ubiquitous in the region. The implications of the layered structure for chemistry and radiation need to be examined, and the representation of this structure in chemistry-climate models is discussed.

scholarly journals Filamentary structure in chemical tracer distributions near the subtropical jet following a wave breaking event

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 10517-10534 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ungermann ◽  
L. L. Pan ◽  
C. Kalicinsky ◽  
F. Olschewski ◽  
P. Knieling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Chemical Species ◽  
Spatial Location ◽  
Trace Gas ◽  
Filamentary Structure ◽  
Air Mass ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking

Abstract. This paper presents a set of observations and analyses of trace gas cross sections in the extratropical upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS). The spatially highly resolved (≈0.5 km vertically and 12.5 km horizontally) cross sections of ozone (O3), nitric acid (HNO3), and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), retrieved from the measurements of the CRISTA-NF infrared limb sounder flown on the Russian M55-Geophysica, revealed intricate layer structures in the region of the subtropical tropopause break. The chemical structure in this region shows an intertwined stratosphere and troposphere. The observed filaments in all discussed trace gases are of a spatial scale of less than 0.8 km vertically and about 200 km horizontally across the jet stream. Backward trajectory calculations confirm that the observed filaments are the result of a breaking Rossby wave in the preceding days. An analysis of the trace gas relationships between PAN and O3 identifies four distinct groups of air mass: polluted subtropical tropospheric air, clean tropical upper-tropospheric air, the lowermost stratospheric air, and air from the deep stratosphere. The tracer relationships further allow the identification of tropospheric, stratospheric, and the transitional air mass made of a mixture of UT and LS air. Mapping of these air mass types onto the geo-spatial location in the cross sections reveals a highly structured extratropical transition layer (ExTL). Finally, the ratio between the measured reactive nitrogen species (HNO3 + PAN + ClONO2) and O3 is analysed to estimate the influence of tropospheric pollution on the extratropical UTLS. In combination, these diagnostics provide the first example of a multi-species two-dimensional picture of the inhomogeneous distribution of chemical species within the UTLS region. Since Rossby wave breaking occurs frequently in the region of the tropopause break, these observed fine-scale filaments are likely ubiquitous in the region. The implications of the layered structure for chemistry and radiation need to be examined, and the representation of this structure in chemistry-climate models is discussed.

scholarly journals Linking air stagnation in Europe with the synoptic- to large-scale atmospheric circulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 675-694
Author(s):  
Jacob W. Maddison ◽  
Marta Abalos ◽  
David Barriopedro ◽  
Ricardo García-Herrera ◽  
Jose M. Garrido-Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Large Scale Circulation ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
The North ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Climatic Impacts ◽  
Large Scale Atmospheric Circulation

Abstract. The build-up of pollutants to harmful levels can occur when meteorological conditions favour their production or accumulation near the surface. Such conditions can arise when a region experiences air stagnation. The link between European air stagnation, air pollution and the synoptic- to large-scale circulation is investigated in this article across all seasons and the 1979–2018 period. Dynamical indices identifying atmospheric blocking, Rossby wave breaking, subtropical ridges, and the North Atlantic eddy-driven and subtropical jets are used to describe the synoptic- to large-scale circulation as predictors in statistical models of air stagnation and pollutant variability. It is found that the large-scale circulation can explain approximately 60 % of the variance in monthly air stagnation, ozone and wintertime particulate matter (PM) in five distinct regions within Europe. The variance explained by the model does not vary strongly across regions and seasons, apart from for PM when the skill is highest in winter. However, the dynamical indices most related to air stagnation do depend on region and season. The blocking and Rossby wave breaking predictors tend to be the most important for describing air stagnation and pollutant variability in northern regions, whereas ridges and the subtropical jet are more important to the south. The demonstrated correspondence between air stagnation, pollution and the large-scale circulation can be used to assess the representation of stagnation in climate models, which is key for understanding how air stagnation and its associated climatic impacts may change in the future.

Linking air stagnation in Europe with the large-scale atmospheric circulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Maddison ◽  
Marta Abalos ◽  
David Barriopedro ◽  
Ricardo Garcia Herrera ◽  
José Manuel Garrido Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Large Scale Circulation ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
The North ◽  
Weak Winds

<div>Air stagnation refers to a period when a stable air mass becomes settled over a region and remains quasi-stationary for an extended amount of time. Weak winds in the lower- to mid-troposphere and the absence of precipitation during air stagnation prohibit the ventilation and washout of particles so pollutants can accumulate near the surface. This allows for such pollutants to reach levels harmful to humans, and poses severe health risks. Understanding the development of stagnant conditions is therefore crucial for studying poor air quality and its societal impact. </div><p><br>Here, the linear relationship between European air stagnation and the large-scale circulation is explored across all seasons and during the 1979--2018 period. Dynamical based indices identifying atmospheric blocking, Rossby wave breaking, subtropical ridges, and the North Atlantic eddy-driven and subtropical jets are used to describe the large-scale circulation as predictors in a statistical model of air stagnation variability. It is found that the large-scale circulation can explain approximately 60% of the variance in monthly air stagnation in five distinct regions within Europe. The variance explained by the model does not vary strongly across regions and seasons. However, the dynamical indices most related to air stagnation do depend on region and season. The blocking and Rossby wave breaking predictors tend to be the most important for describing air stagnation variability in northern regions whereas ridges and the subtropical jet are more important to the south. The demonstrated correspondence between air stagnation and the large-scale circulation can be used to assess the representation of air stagnation in climate models, which is key for understanding how air quality and its associated health risks may change in the future.</p>

Contrasting dynamics of short and long blocks in the Northern Hemisphere

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Drouard ◽  
Tim Woollings ◽  
David Sexton ◽  
Carol McSweeney
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Zonal Wind ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Lower Number ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Weather Patterns ◽  
Coupled Climate Models ◽  
Synoptic Eddies ◽  
The Mean

<p>In this study, we aim at identifying dynamical differences between short blocks, which last only five days, and long blocks, which last at least ten days, to better characterise long blocks. We show that long blocks often involve cyclonic Rossby wave breaking, while short blocks are equally associated with cyclonic and anticyclonic wave breaking. This main result is reproduced in several coupled climate models. We propose three mechanisms that might explain the lower number of long anticyclonic blocks: 1/ a downstream reinforcement of the anticyclone during anticyclonic blocks might be associated with a stronger downstream advection of the block; 2/ the mean zonal wind is reinforced by synoptic eddies towards a more northward position during anticyclonic blocks, whereas synoptic eddies force the mean zonal wind to the south of the block during cyclonic blocks, which has been previously shown to be associated with more persistent weather patterns; 3/ strong and/or sustained eddy feedback is needed to maintain long anticyclonic blocks. All these parameters combined might explain why blocks last longer and why anticyclonic blocks are less present at extreme durations.</p>

scholarly journals Linking air stagnation in Europe with the large-scale atmospheric circulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob W. Maddison ◽  
Marta Abalos ◽  
David Barriopedro ◽  
Ricardo García-Herrera ◽  
Jose M. Garrido-Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Large Scale Circulation ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
The North ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Large Scale Atmospheric Circulation

Abstract. The build-up of pollutants to harmful levels can occur when meteorological conditions favour their production or accumulation near the surface. Previous studies have shown that such conditions are often associated with air stagnation. Understanding the development of stagnant conditions is therefore crucial for studying poor air quality. The link between European air stagnation and the large-scale circulation is investigated in this article across all seasons and the 1979–2018 period. Dynamical based indices identifying atmospheric blocking, Rossby wave breaking, subtropical ridges, and the North Atlantic eddy-driven and subtropical jets are used to describe the large-scale circulation as predictors in a statistical model of air stagnation variability. It is found that the large-scale circulation can explain approximately 60 % of the variance in monthly air stagnation in five distinct regions within Europe. The variance explained by the model does not vary strongly across regions and seasons. However, the dynamical indices most related to air stagnation do depend on region and season. The blocking and Rossby wave breaking predictors tend to be the most important for describing air stagnation variability in northern regions whereas ridges and the subtropical jet are more important to the south. The demonstrated correspondence between air stagnation and the large-scale circulation can be used to assess the representation of stagnation in climate models, which is key for understanding how air quality and its associated health risks may change in the future.

A Climatology of Rossby Wave Breaking on the Southern Hemisphere Tropopause

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 798-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thando Ndarana ◽  
Darryn W. Waugh
Keyword(s):  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Polar Front ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
South Pacific Ocean ◽  
Ocean Region ◽  
Summer Minimum

Abstract A 30-yr climatology of Rossby wave breaking (RWB) on the Southern Hemisphere (SH) tropopause is formed using 30 yr of reanalyses. Composite analysis of potential vorticity and meridional fluxes of wave activity show that RWB in the SH can be divided into two broad categories: anticyclonic and cyclonic events. While there is only weak asymmetry in the meridional direction and most events cannot be classified as equatorward or poleward in terms of the potential vorticity structure, the position and structure of the fluxes associated with equatorward breaking differs from those of poleward breaking. Anticyclonic breaking is more common than cyclonic breaking, except on the lower isentrope examined (320 K). There are marked differences in the seasonal variations of RWB on the two surfaces, with a winter minimum for RWB around 350 K but a summer minimum for RWB around 330 K. These seasonal variations are due to changes in the location of the tropospheric jets and dynamical tropopause. During winter the subtropical jet and tropopause at 350 K are collocated in the Australian–South Pacific Ocean region, resulting in a seasonal minimum in the 350-K RWB. During summer the polar front jet and 330-K tropopause are collocated over the Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans, inhibiting RWB in this region.

Rossby wave-breaking analysis of explosive cyclones in the Euro-Atlantic sector

2013 ◽  
Vol 140 (680) ◽  
pp. 738-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iñigo Gómara ◽  
Joaquim G. Pinto ◽  
Tim Woollings ◽  
Giacomo Masato ◽  
Pablo Zurita-Gotor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Atlantic Sector ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Explosive Cyclones

Method for Identifying and Clustering Rossby Wave Breaking Events in the Northern Hemisphere

2021 ◽  
pp. 17-28
Author(s):  
A. V. Gochakov ◽  
◽  
O. Yu. Antokhina ◽  
V. N. Krupchatnikov ◽  
Yu. V. Martynova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Wave ◽  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Method Development ◽  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Potential Temperature ◽  
Reanalysis Data ◽  
Rossby Wave Breaking ◽  
Dynamic Phenomena

Many large-scale dynamic phenomena in the Earth’s atmosphere are associated with the processes of propagation and breaking of Rossby waves. A new method for identifying the Rossby wave breaking (RWB) is proposed. It is based on the detection of breakings centers by analyzing the shape of the contours of potential vorticity or temperature on quasimaterial surfaces: isentropic and iserthelic (surfaces of constant Ertel potential vorticity (PV)), with further RWB center clustering to larger regions. The method is applied to the set of constant PV levels (0.3 to 9.8 PVU with a step of 0.5 PVU) at the level of potential temperature of 350 K for 12:00 UTC. The ERA-Interim reanalysis data from 1979 to 2019 are used for the method development. The type of RWB (cyclonic/anticyclonic), its area and center are determined by analyzing the vortex geometry at each PV level for every day. The RWBs obtained at this stage are designated as elementary breakings. Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise algorithm (DBSCAN) was applied to all elementary breakings for each month. As a result, a graphic dataset describing locations and dynamics of RWBs for every month from 1979 to 2019 is formed. The RWB frequency is also evaluated for each longitude, taking into account the duration of each RWB and the number of levels involved, as well as the anomalies of these parameters.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document