How Do Multiscale Interactions Affect Extreme Precipitation in Eastern Central Asia?

Abstract

AbstractThe variability of extreme precipitation in eastern central Asia (ECA) during summer (June–August) and its corresponding mechanisms were investigated from a multiscale synergy perspective. Extreme precipitation in ECA displayed a quasi-monopole increasing pattern with abrupt change since 2000/01, which was likely dominated by increased high-latitude North Atlantic SST anomalies as shown by diagnosed and numerical experiment results. Increased SST via adjusting the quasi-stationary wave train that related to the negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the east Atlantic/western Russia (EA/WR) pattern guided the cyclonic anomaly in central Asia, deepened the Lake Balkhash trough, and enhanced the moisture convergence in ECA. These anomalies also exhibited interdecadal enhancement after 2000. On the synoptic scale, two synoptic transient wave trains correlated with extreme precipitation in ECA by amplifying the amplitude of the quasi-stationary waves and guiding transient eddies in ECA. The induced transient eddies and deepened Lake Balkhash trough strengthened positive meridional vorticity advection and local positive vorticity, which promoted ascending motions, and guided the southerly warm moisture in ECA especially after 2000. Meanwhile, additional mesoscale vortices were stimulated and strengthened near the Tianshan Mountain in front of the wave trough, which, together with the enhanced meridional circulation, further increased extreme precipitation in ECA.