Interannual variation of convectively-coupled equatorial waves and their association with environmental factors

Abstract

Convectively-coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) are fundamental components of tropical convection, which are important for weather and climate prediction. However, their interannual variation mechanism has received limited attention to date. By employing 6-hourly satellite-based brightness temperature data from 1983 to 2009, this study investigates the interannual variation of three dominant CCEWs. The results show that the Kelvin wave and the n=1 westward inertia gravity (WIG) wave display maximum variability over the central Pacific at the equator in boreal winter. Intensity variations in both waves show good correlation relationship with local thermodynamic condition (i.e., sea surface temperature and moisture) and local dynamic condition (i.e., vertically sheared zonal flow). Abundant humidity and weak vertically sheared zonal flow appear in the years of intensified wave activity, whereas less humidity and strong westerly sheared flows appear in the years of suppressed wave activity. Sensitivity numerical experiments show that background moisture are important for both waves, while wind shear can only impact n=1 WIG wave. A westerly sheared flow tends to suppress the n=1 WIG wave in the lower troposphere, and thus results in weakened wave growth. n=1 equatorial Rossby (ER) wave displays maximum variability over the southern Pacific during boreal winter. Its intensity variation is poorly related with local environmental factors but is significantly correlated with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. The results indicate that a different mechanism might be needed to explain the interannual variation of n=1 ER wave.