Analysis of a severe precipitation process in Aksu Area under the background of the Central Asian Vortex

Abstract

<p>Central Asian Vortices (CAVs) are deep cyclonic systems that occur in the Central Asian and are identified at the 500 hPa level. CAVs are significantly associated with many convective events in the Xinjiang province. In order to strengthen the understanding of the mesoscale systems development mechanisms in torrential rain under the influence of CAVs, we analyzes the rainstorm process occurred in the Aksu region that is near the west of Tianshan Mountains, during June 17 to 18, 2013 basing on a variety of data. The results show that the precipitation process occurs under the background of the circulation of the two ridges in a trough over the middle and high latitudes, and the CAV provides favorable large-scale dynamic and water vapor conditions for this rainstorm. The convergence line is the important mesoscale system, which is formed by the superposition of the CAV circulation and the flow stream around the special topography of the west Tianshan Mountains. Due to the difference of thermal properties between the mountain and desert, the slope wind drives convergence line to move and the strong convection developed along the convergence line triggers strong precipitation in the Aksu region. The WRF is able to well simulate not only the location and intensity of the heavy rain but also the evolution of wind field. Preliminary analysis combined with observations and simulation data shows that under the blockage of west Tianshan Mountains, the south wind accumulates and convergences near the valley. As a result, a local convergence line is formed. Meanwhile, with the adjustment of the large-scale circulation situation, especially after the CAV moves to the vicinity of the Aksu area, one part of the westward flow that comes from the south of the vortex turns into northwest wind after crossing the west Tianshan Mountains, and the other part turns into the northeast wind after passing through the Yili Valley, these two flow aggravate the northerly airflow and enhance the intensity of convergence, thereby promote the formation of mesoscale convergence lines and strengthen it. The eastward airflow-induced water vapor accumulates in front of the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, and strengthens as the convergence line moves towards southeast with the enhancement of the valley wind at night. Accompanied with the convergence uplift, the accumulation of water vapor at the foot of the mountain promotes the release of unstable energy and brings heavy precipitation to the Aksu region.</p>