Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Arctic Response to an MJO-Like Tropical Heating in an Idealized GCM

Changhyun Yoo Department of Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

Search for other papers by Changhyun Yoo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Sukyoung Lee Department of Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

Search for other papers by Sukyoung Lee in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Steven B. Feldstein Department of Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

Search for other papers by Steven B. Feldstein in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Print Publication:
01 Aug 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS-D-11-0261.1
Page(s):
2379–2393
Restricted access

Abstract

Using an initial-value approach with an idealized general circulation model, the mechanisms by which the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) influences the Arctic surface air temperature (SAT) are investigated. Model calculations corresponding to MJO phases 1 and 5 are performed, as previous studies have shown that these two phases are associated with a cooling and warming of the Arctic surface, respectively. Observed MJO-like tropical heating profiles are specified, with the phase 5 (phase 1) heating taking on a more zonally localized (uniform) spatial structure. A large ensemble of model runs is performed, where the initial flow of each ensemble member consists of the winter climatology together with an initial perturbation that is selected randomly from observational data. The model calculations show that MJO phase 5 (phase 1) is followed by a strengthening (weakening) in the poleward wave activity propagation out of the tropics, which leads to an increase (decrease) in Arctic SAT. Examination of the corresponding eddy momentum flux convergence and mass streamfunction fields shows that an eddy-induced mean meridional circulation warms (cools) the Arctic for phase 5 (phase 1). Further Arctic warming (cooling) takes place through changes in the planetary-scale, poleward eddy heat flux. In addition, calculations with a passive tracer added to the model show an increase (decrease) in the high-latitude tracer concentration for MJO phase 5 (phase 1). These results suggest that the observed changes in Arctic downward infrared radiation associated with the MJO may be associated with changes in poleward moisture transport.

Current affiliation: Center for Atmosphere Ocean Science, Courant Institute, New York University, New York, New York.

Corresponding author address: Changhyun Yoo, Center for Atmosphere Ocean Science, Courant Institute, New York University, 251 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012. E-mail: cyoo@cims.nyu.edu

Abstract

Using an initial-value approach with an idealized general circulation model, the mechanisms by which the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) influences the Arctic surface air temperature (SAT) are investigated. Model calculations corresponding to MJO phases 1 and 5 are performed, as previous studies have shown that these two phases are associated with a cooling and warming of the Arctic surface, respectively. Observed MJO-like tropical heating profiles are specified, with the phase 5 (phase 1) heating taking on a more zonally localized (uniform) spatial structure. A large ensemble of model runs is performed, where the initial flow of each ensemble member consists of the winter climatology together with an initial perturbation that is selected randomly from observational data. The model calculations show that MJO phase 5 (phase 1) is followed by a strengthening (weakening) in the poleward wave activity propagation out of the tropics, which leads to an increase (decrease) in Arctic SAT. Examination of the corresponding eddy momentum flux convergence and mass streamfunction fields shows that an eddy-induced mean meridional circulation warms (cools) the Arctic for phase 5 (phase 1). Further Arctic warming (cooling) takes place through changes in the planetary-scale, poleward eddy heat flux. In addition, calculations with a passive tracer added to the model show an increase (decrease) in the high-latitude tracer concentration for MJO phase 5 (phase 1). These results suggest that the observed changes in Arctic downward infrared radiation associated with the MJO may be associated with changes in poleward moisture transport.

Current affiliation: Center for Atmosphere Ocean Science, Courant Institute, New York University, New York, New York.

Corresponding author address: Changhyun Yoo, Center for Atmosphere Ocean Science, Courant Institute, New York University, 251 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012. E-mail: cyoo@cims.nyu.edu
Save
Cover Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences

  • Andrews, D. G., and M. E. McIntyre, 1976: Planetary waves in horizontal and vertical shear: The generalized Eliassen–Palm relation and the mean zonal acceleration. J. Atmos. Sci., 33, 2031–2048.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Andrews, D. G., and M. E. McIntyre, 1978: An exact theory of nonlinear waves on a Lagrangian-mean flow. J. Fluid Mech., 89, 609–646, doi:10.1017/S0022112078002773.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Archer, C. L., and K. Caldeira, 2008: Historical trends in the jet streams. Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L08803, doi:10.1029/2008gl033614.

  • Caballero, R., and M. Huber, 2010: Spontaneous transition to superrotation in warm climates simulated by CAM3. Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L11701, doi:10.1029/2010gl043468.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cassou, C., 2008: Intraseasonal interaction between the Madden–Julian oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation. Nature, 455, 523–527, doi:10.1038/nature07286.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dee, D. P., and S. Uppala, 2009: Variational bias correction of satellite radiance data in the ERA-Interim reanalysis. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 135, 1830–1841, doi:10.1002/qj.493.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Edmon, H. J., B. J. Hoskins, and M. E. McIntyre, 1980: Eliassen–Palm cross sections for the troposphere. J. Atmos. Sci., 37, 2600–2616.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Feldstein, S. B., 2002: Fundamental mechanisms of the growth and decay of the PNA teleconnection pattern. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 128, 775–796.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Feldstein, S. B., 2003: The dynamics of NAO teleconnection pattern growth and decay. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 129, 901–924.

  • Franzke, C., S. Lee, and S. B. Feldstein, 2004: Is the North Atlantic Oscillation a breaking wave? J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 145–160.

  • Fu, Q., C. M. Johanson, J. M. Wallace, and T. Reichler, 2006: Enhanced mid-latitude tropospheric warming in satellite measurements. Science, 312, 1179, doi:10.1126/science.1125566.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Held, I. M., 1975: Momentum transport by quasi-geostrophic eddies. J. Atmos. Sci., 32, 1494–1497.

  • Held, I. M., and M. J. Suarez, 1994: A proposal for the intercomparison of the dynamical cores of atmospheric general circulation models. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 75, 1825–1830.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hoskins, B. J., and D. J. Karoly, 1981: The steady linear response of a spherical atmosphere to thermal and orographic forcing. J. Atmos. Sci., 38, 1179–1196.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jin, F., and B. J. Hoskins, 1995: The direct response to tropical heating in a baroclinic atmosphere. J. Atmos. Sci., 52, 307–319.

  • Johnson, N. C., and S. B. Feldstein, 2010: The continuum of North Pacific sea level pressure patterns: Intraseasonal, interannual, and interdecadal variability. J. Climate, 23, 851–867.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kushner, P. J., I. M. Held, and T. L. Delworth, 2001: Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation response to global warming. J. Climate, 14, 2238–2249.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lee, S., 1999: Why are the climatological zonal winds easterly in the equatorial upper troposphere? J. Atmos. Sci., 56, 1353–1363.

  • Lee, S., S. Feldstein, D. Pollard, and T. White, 2011a: Do planetary wave dynamics contribute to equable climates? J. Climate, 24, 2391–2404.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lee, S., T. Gong, N. Johnson, S. Feldstein, and D. Pollard, 2011b: On the possible link between tropical convection and the Northern Hemisphere Arctic surface air temperature change between 1958 and 2001. J. Climate, 24, 4350–4367.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lin, H., G. Brunet, and J. Derome, 2009: An observed connection between the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Madden–Julian oscillation. J. Climate, 22, 364–380.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lin, H., G. Brunet, and R. Mo, 2010: Impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation on wintertime precipitation in Canada. Mon. Wea. Rev., 138, 3822–3839.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lorenz, D. J., and E. T. DeWeaver, 2007: Tropopause height and zonal wind response to global warming in the IPCC scenario integrations. J. Geophys. Res., 112, D10119, doi:10.1029/2006JD008087.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lu, J., G. Chen, and D. M. W. Frierson, 2008: Response of the zonal mean atmospheric circulation to El Niño versus global warming. J. Climate, 21, 5835–5851.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Madden, R. A., and P. R. Julian, 1971: Detection of a 40–50 day oscillation in the zonal wind in the tropical Pacific. J. Atmos. Sci., 28, 702–708.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Madden, R. A., and P. R. Julian, 1972: Description of global-scale circulation cells in the tropics with a 40–50 day period. J. Atmos. Sci., 29, 1109–1123.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Madden, R. A., and P. R. Julian, 1994: Observations of the 40–50-day tropical oscillation—A review. Mon. Wea. Rev., 122, 814–837.

  • Matthews, A. J., B. J. Hoskins, and M. Masutani, 2004: The global response to tropical heating in the Madden–Julian oscillation during the northern winter. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 130, 1991–2011, doi:10.1256/qj.02.123.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mori, M., and M. Watanabe, 2008: The growth and triggering mechanisms of the PNA: A MJO-PNA coherence. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 86, 213–236.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Saravanan, R., 1993: Equatorial superrotation and maintenance of the general circulation in two-level models. J. Atmos. Sci., 50, 1211–1227.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Seo, K.-H., and S.-W. Son, 2012: The global atmospheric circulation response to tropical diabatic heating associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation during northern winter. J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 79–96.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Simmons, A. J., J. M. Wallace, and G. W. Branstator, 1983: Barotropic wave propagation and instability, and atmospheric teleconnection patterns. J. Atmos. Sci., 40, 1363–1392.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Suarez, M. J., and D. G. Duffy, 1992: Terrestrial superrotation: A bifurcation of the general circulation. J. Atmos. Sci., 49, 1541–1554.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ting, M., and P. D. Sardeshmukh, 1993: Factors determining the extratropical response to equatorial diabatic heating anomalies. J. Atmos. Sci., 50, 907–918.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vecchi, G. A., and N. A. Bond, 2004: The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and northern high latitude wintertime surface air temperatures. Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L04104, doi:10.1029/2003gl018645.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wheeler, M. C., and H. H. Hendon, 2004: An all-season real-time multivariate MJO index: Development of an index for monitoring and prediction. Mon. Wea. Rev., 132, 1917–1932.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Xie, P., and P. A. Arkin, 1997: Global precipitation: A 17-year monthly analysis based on gauge observations, satellite estimates, and numerical model outputs. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 78, 2539–2558.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Yoo, C., S. Feldstein, and S. Lee, 2011: The impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation trend on the Arctic amplification of surface air temperature during the 1979–2008 boreal winter. Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L24804, doi:10.1029/2011GL049881.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Yoo, C., S. Lee, and S. Feldstein, 2012: Mechanisms of Arctic surface air temperature change in response to the Madden–Julian oscillation. J. Climate, in press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 547 195 19
PDF Downloads 404 102 21