Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Modulations of the Phase Speed of Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves by the ITCZ

Juliana Dias New York University, New York, New York

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Olivier Pauluis New York University, New York, New York

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Print Publication:
01 Jul 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2011JAS3630.1
Page(s):
1446–1459
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Abstract

A number of studies suggest a two-way feedback between convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Viewed here as a proxy for deep convection, analysis of brightness temperature data reveals several aspects of these interdependencies. A wavenumber–frequency spectral analysis is applied to the satellite data in order to filter CCKWs. The ITCZ is characterized by a region of low brightness temperature and a proxy for both the ITCZ location and width are defined. The phase speed of CCKW data is determined using the Radon transform method. Linear regression techniques and probability density analysis are consistent with previous theoretical predictions and observational results. In particular, the fastest waves are found when the ITCZ is the farthest from the equator and the narrowest. Conversely, the slowest waves coincide with broad ITCZs that are located near the equator.

Corresponding author address: Juliana Dias, New York University, 251 Mercer St., New York, NY 10012. E-mail: dias@cims.nyu.edu

Abstract

A number of studies suggest a two-way feedback between convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Viewed here as a proxy for deep convection, analysis of brightness temperature data reveals several aspects of these interdependencies. A wavenumber–frequency spectral analysis is applied to the satellite data in order to filter CCKWs. The ITCZ is characterized by a region of low brightness temperature and a proxy for both the ITCZ location and width are defined. The phase speed of CCKW data is determined using the Radon transform method. Linear regression techniques and probability density analysis are consistent with previous theoretical predictions and observational results. In particular, the fastest waves are found when the ITCZ is the farthest from the equator and the narrowest. Conversely, the slowest waves coincide with broad ITCZs that are located near the equator.

Corresponding author address: Juliana Dias, New York University, 251 Mercer St., New York, NY 10012. E-mail: dias@cims.nyu.edu
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