Roles of synoptic‐scale waves and intraseasonal oscillations in the onset of the South China Sea summer monsoon

Abstract

AbstractThe maintenance period (20 days after the onset day) of the South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset is investigated in this paper, the main focus of which is the roles of synoptic‐scale (2–10‐day period) waves (SSWs) relative to those of 10–20‐day and 30–60‐day intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs). The results reveal that the eddy kinetic energy (EKE)‐based SSW intensity displays a greater amplitude and closer relationship with the SCSSM onset date (correlation coefficient: −0.50) than either ISO during the SCSSM onset maintenance period, indicating that frequent synoptic‐scale processes play an important role in the SCSSM onset. Regression analyses based on the original EKE‐based wave intensity further reveal that SSW‐related horizontal wind anomalies show significant cyclonic anomalies over the SCS, with westerlies occupying the central and southern SCS. Moreover, SSW‐induced low‐pressure systems, including negative outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) anomalies, low‐level convergence and weakening of the 500 hPa height field, are observed over the SCS and maintain the SCSSM onset. A three‐dimensional EKE diagnosis is conducted to investigate the relative contributions of SSWs and both ISOs. The results demonstrate that the SSW‐related horizontal barotropic EKE conversion and EKE conversion from eddy available potential energy cooperate to contribute more than the two ISOs to the dynamic processes during the maintenance stage of the SCSSM onset.