Decadal Relationship between European Blocking and the North Atlantic Oscillation during 1978–2011. Part I: Atlantic Conditions

Dehai Luo RCE-TEA, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, Qingdao Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China

Search for other papers by Dehai Luo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yao Yao RCE-TEA, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, and Physical Oceanography Laboratory, College of Physical and Environmental Oceanography, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China

Search for other papers by Yao Yao in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Aiguo Dai Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, and National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

Search for other papers by Aiguo Dai in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

We are aware of a technical issue preventing figures and tables from showing in some newly published articles in the full-text HTML view.
While we are resolving the problem, please use the online PDF version of these articles to view figures and tables.

Abstract

Both the positive and negative phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+ and NAO, respectively) and atmospheric blocking in the Euro-Atlantic sector reflect synoptic variability over the region and thus are intrinsically linked. This study examines their relationship from a decadal change perspective. Since the winter-mean NAO index is defined as a time average of instantaneous NAO indices over the whole winter, it is unclear how the activity of European blocking (EB) events can be related to the variation of the positive mean NAO index. Here, this question is examined by dividing the winter period 1978–2011 into two decadal epochs: 1978–94 (P1) with an increasing and high NAO index and 1995–2011 (P2) with a decreasing and low NAO index. Using atmospheric reanalysis data, it is shown that there are more intense and persistent EB events in eastern Europe during P1 than during P2, while the opposite is true for western Europe.

It is further shown that there are more NAO+ (NAO) events during P1 (P2). The EB events associated with NAO+ events extend more eastward and are associated with stronger Atlantic mean zonal wind and weaker western Atlantic storm track during P1 than during P2, but EB events associated with NAO events increase in western Europe under opposite Atlantic conditions during P2. Thus, the increase in the number of individual NAO+ (NAO) events results in more EB events in eastern (western) Europe during P1 (P2). The EB change is also associated with the increased frequency of NAO to NAO+ (NAO+ to NAO) transition events.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Dehai Luo, RCE-TEA, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029, China. E-mail: ldh@mail.iap.ac.cn

Abstract

Both the positive and negative phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+ and NAO, respectively) and atmospheric blocking in the Euro-Atlantic sector reflect synoptic variability over the region and thus are intrinsically linked. This study examines their relationship from a decadal change perspective. Since the winter-mean NAO index is defined as a time average of instantaneous NAO indices over the whole winter, it is unclear how the activity of European blocking (EB) events can be related to the variation of the positive mean NAO index. Here, this question is examined by dividing the winter period 1978–2011 into two decadal epochs: 1978–94 (P1) with an increasing and high NAO index and 1995–2011 (P2) with a decreasing and low NAO index. Using atmospheric reanalysis data, it is shown that there are more intense and persistent EB events in eastern Europe during P1 than during P2, while the opposite is true for western Europe.

It is further shown that there are more NAO+ (NAO) events during P1 (P2). The EB events associated with NAO+ events extend more eastward and are associated with stronger Atlantic mean zonal wind and weaker western Atlantic storm track during P1 than during P2, but EB events associated with NAO events increase in western Europe under opposite Atlantic conditions during P2. Thus, the increase in the number of individual NAO+ (NAO) events results in more EB events in eastern (western) Europe during P1 (P2). The EB change is also associated with the increased frequency of NAO to NAO+ (NAO+ to NAO) transition events.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Dehai Luo, RCE-TEA, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029, China. E-mail: ldh@mail.iap.ac.cn
Save
  • Barnes, E., J. Slingo, and T. Woollings, 2012: A methodology for the comparison of blocking climatologies across indices, models and climate scenarios. Climate Dyn., 38, 24672481, doi:10.1007/s00382-011-1243-6.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Barriopedro, D., R. García-Herrera, A. R. Lupo, and E. Hernández, 2006: A climatology of Northern Hemisphere blocking. J. Climate, 19, 10421063, doi:10.1175/JCLI3678.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Barriopedro, D., R. García-Herrera, and R. M. Trigo, 2010: Application of blocking diagnosis methods to General Circulation Models. Part I: A novel detection scheme. Climate Dyn., 35, 1373–1391, doi:10.1007/s00382-010-0767-5.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Benedict, J., S. Lee, and S. B. Feldstein, 2004: Synoptic view of the North Atlantic Oscillation. J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 121144, doi:10.1175/1520-0469(2004)061<0121:SVOTNA>2.0.CO;2.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Berggren, R., B. Bolin, and C.-G. Rossby, 1949: An aerological study of zonal motion, its perturbations and break-down. Tellus, 1A, 1437, doi:10.1111/j.2153-3490.1949.tb01257.x.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Buehler, T., C. C. Raible, and T. F. Stocker, 2011: The relationship of winter season North Atlantic blocking frequencies to extreme cold or dry spells in the ERA-40. Tellus, 63A, 212222, doi:10.1111/j.1600-0870.2010.00492.x.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Cattiaux, J. R. Vautard, C. Cassou, P. Yiou, V. Masson-Delmontte, and F. Codron, 2010: Winter 2010 in Europe: A cold extreme in a warming climate. Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L20704, doi:10.1029/2010GL044613.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Chen, T. C., and J. H. Yoon, 2002: Interdecadal variations of the North Pacific wintertime blocking. Mon. Wea. Rev., 130, 31363143, doi:10.1175/1520-0493(2002)130<3136:IVOTNP>2.0.CO;2.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Cohen, J., and M. Barlow, 2005: The NAO, the AO, and global warming: How closely related? J. Climate, 18, 44984513, doi:10.1175/JCLI3530.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Croci-Maspoli, M., C. Schwierz, and H. C. Davies, 2007a: Atmospheric blocking: Space-time links to the NAO and PNA. Climate Dyn., 29, 713725, doi:10.1007/s00382-007-0259-4.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Croci-Maspoli, M., C. Schwierz, and H. C. Davies, 2007b: A multifaceted climatology of atmospheric blocking and its recent linear trend. J. Climate, 20, 633649, doi:10.1175/JCLI4029.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Dai, A., H. Li, Y. Sun, L.-C. Hong, LinHo, C. Chou, and T. Zhou, 2013: The relative roles of upper and lower tropospheric thermal contrasts and tropical influences in driving Asian summer monsoons. J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 118, 70247045, doi:10.1002/jgrd.50565.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Davini, P., C. Cagnazzo, S. Gualdi, and A. Navarra, 2012a: Bidimensional diagnostics, variability, and trends of Northern Hemisphere blocking. J. Climate, 25, 64966509, doi:10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00032.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Davini, P., C. Cagnazzo, R. Neale, and J. Tribbia, 2012b: Coupling between Greenland blocking and the North Atlantic Oscillation pattern. Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L14701, doi:10.1029/2012GL052315.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • De Vries, H., T. Woollings, J. Anstey, R. J. Haarsma, and W. Hazeleger, 2013: Atmospheric blocking and its relation to jet changes in a future climate. Climate Dyn., 41, 26432654, doi:10.1007/s00382-013-1699-7.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Diao, Y., J. Li, and D. Luo, 2006: A new blocking index and its application: Blocking action in the Northern Hemisphere. J. Climate, 19, 48194839, doi:10.1175/JCLI3886.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Feldstein, S. B., 2003: The dynamics of NAO teleconnection pattern growth and decay. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 129, 901924, doi:10.1256/qj.02.76.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Franzke, C., S. Lee, and S. B. Feldstein, 2004: Is the North Atlantic Oscillation a breaking wave? J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 145160, doi:10.1175/1520-0469(2004)061<0145:ITNAOA>2.0.CO;2.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Häkkinen, S., P. B. Rhines, and D. L. Worthen, 2011: Atmospheric blocking and Atlantic multidecadal ocean variability. Science, 334, 655659, doi:10.1126/science.1205683.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Hamming, R. W., 1989: Digital Filters. 3rd ed. Prentice-Hall, 284 pp.

  • Hurrell, J. W., 1995: Decadal trends in the North Atlantic Oscillation: Regional temperature and precipitation. Science, 269, 676679, doi:10.1126/science.269.5224.676.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Hurrell, J. W., and C. Deser, 2009: North Atlantic climate variability: The role of the North Atlantic Oscillation. J. Mar. Syst., 78, 2841, doi:10.1016/j.jmarsys.2008.11.026.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Kalnay, E., and Coauthors, 1996: The NCEP/NCAR 40-Year Reanalysis Project. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc.,77, 437–471, doi:10.1175/1520-0477(1996)077,0437:TNYRP.2.0.CO;2.

  • Lau, N. C., 1988: Variability of the observed midlatitude storm tracks in relation to low-frequency changes in the circulation pattern. J. Atmos. Sci., 45, 27182743, doi:10.1175/1520-0469(1988)045<2718:VOTOMS>2.0.CO;2.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Lejenäs, H., and H. Økland, 1983: Characteristics of Northern Hemisphere blocking as determined from a long time series of observational data. Tellus, 35A, 350362, doi:10.1111/j.1600-0870.1983.tb00210.x.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Livezey, R. E., and W. Y. Chen, 1983: Statistical field significance and its determination by Monte Carlo techniques. Mon. Wea. Rev., 111, 4659, doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1983)111<0046:SFSAID>2.0.CO;2.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Luo, D., and J. Cha, 2012: The North Atlantic Oscillation and North Atlantic jet variability: Precursors to NAO regimes and transitions. J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 37633787, doi:10.1175/JAS-D-12-098.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Luo, D., A. Lupo, and H. Wan, 2007a: Dynamics of eddy-driven low frequency dipole modes. Part I: A simple model of North Atlantic Oscillations. J. Atmos. Sci., 64, 338, doi:10.1175/JAS3818.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Luo, D., T. Gong, and Y. Diao, 2007b: Dynamics of eddy-driven low-frequency dipole modes. Part III: Meridional displacement of westerly jet anomalies during two phases of NAO. J. Atmos. Sci., 64, 32323248, doi:10.1175/JAS3998.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Luo, D., T. Gong, and L. Zhong, 2008: Dynamical relationship between the phase of North Atlantic Oscillations and the meridional excursion of a preexisting jet: An analytical study. J. Atmos. Sci., 65, 18381858, doi:10.1175/2007JAS2560.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Luo, D., Y. Diao, and S. B. Feldstein, 2011: The variability of the Atlantic storm track and the North Atlantic Oscillation: A link between intraseasonal and interannual variability. J. Atmos. Sci.,68, 577–601, doi:10.1175/2010JAS3579.1.

  • Luo, D., J. Cha, and S. B. Feldstein, 2012a: Weather regime transitions and the interannual variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Part I: A likely connection. J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 23292346, doi:10.1175/JAS-D-11-0289.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Luo, D., J. Cha, and S. B. Feldstein, 2012b: Weather regime transitions and the interannual variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Part II: Dynamical processes. J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 23472363, doi:10.1175/JAS-D-11-0290.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Luo, D., Y. Yao, and A. Dai, 2015: Decadal relationship between European blocking and North Atlantic Oscillation during 1978–2011. Part II: A theoretical model study. J. Atmos. Sci., 72, 11741199, doi:10.1175/JAS-D-14-0040.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Michel, C., and G. Rivière, 2011: The link between Rossby wave breakings and weather regime transitions. J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 17301748, doi:10.1175/2011JAS3635.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Michel, C., G. Rivière, L. Terray, and B. Joly, 2012: The dynamical link between surface cyclones, upper-tropospheric Rossby wave breaking and the life cycle of the Scandinavian blocking. Geophys. Res. Lett.,39, L10806, doi:10.1029/2012GL051682.

  • Pelly, J. L., and B. J. Hoskins, 2003: A new perspective on blocking. J. Atmos. Sci., 60, 743755, doi:10.1175/1520-0469(2003)060<0743:ANPOB>2.0.CO;2.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Rivière, G., and I. Orlanski, 2007: Characteristics of the Atlantic storm-track eddy activity and its relation with the North Atlantic Oscillation. J. Atmos. Sci., 64, 241266, doi:10.1175/JAS3850.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Santos, J. A., J. G. Pinto, and U. Ulbrich, 2009: On the development of strong ridge episodes over the eastern North Atlantic. Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L17804, doi:10.1029/2009GL039086.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Scaife, A. A., C. K. Folland, L. V. Alexander, A. Moberg, and J. R. Knight, 2008: European climate extremes and the North Atlantic Oscillation. J. Climate, 21, 7283, doi:10.1175/2007JCLI1631.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Scherrer, S., M. Croci-Maspoli, C. Schwierz, and C. Appenzeller, 2006: Two- dimensional indices of atmospheric blocking and their statistical relationship with winter climate patterns in the Euro-Atlantic region. Int. J. Climatol., 26, 233249, doi:10.1002/joc.1250.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Seager, R., Y. Kushnir, J. Nakamura, M. Ting, and N. Naik, 2010: Northern Hemisphere winter snow anomalies: ENSO, NAO and the winter of 2009/10. Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L14703, doi:10.1029/2010GL043830.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Shabbar, A., J. Huang, and K. Higuchi, 2001: The relationship between the wintertime north Atlantic oscillation and blocking episodes in the north Atlantic. Int. J. Climatol., 21, 355369, doi:10.1002/joc.612.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Shutts, G. J., 1983: The propagation of eddies in diffluent jet streams: Eddy vorticity forcing of ‘blocking’ flow fields. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 109, 737761, doi:10.1002/qj.49710946204.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Sillmann, J., and M. Croci-Maspoli, 2009: Present and future atmospheric blocking and its impact on European mean and extreme climate. Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L10702, doi:10.1029/2009GL038259.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Sillmann, J., M. Croci-Maspoli, M. Kallache, and R. W. Katz, 2011: Extreme cold winter temperatures in Europe under the influence of North Atlantic atmospheric blocking. J. Climate, 24, 58995913, doi:10.1175/2011JCLI4075.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Strong, C., and G. Magnusdottir, 2008: How Rossby wave breaking over the Pacific forces the North Atlantic Oscillation. Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L10706, doi:10.1029/2008GL033578.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Sung, M.-K., G.-H. Lim, J.-S. Kug, and S.-I. An, 2011: A linkage between the North Atlantic Oscillation and its downstream development due to the existence of a blocking ridge. J. Geophys. Res., 116, D11107, doi:10.1029/2010JD015006.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Tibaldi, S., and F. Molteni, 1990: On the operational predictability of blocking. Tellus, 42A, 343365, doi:10.1034/j.1600-0870.1990.t01-2-00003.x.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Tyrlis, E., and B. J. Hoskins, 2008a: Aspects of a Northern Hemisphere atmospheric blocking climatology. J. Atmos. Sci., 65, 16381652, doi:10.1175/2007JAS2337.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Tyrlis, E., and B. J. Hoskins, 2008b: The morphology of Northern Hemisphere blocking. J. Atmos. Sci., 65, 16381652, doi:10.1175/2007JAS2338.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Von Storch, H., and F. W. Zwiers, 2001: Statistical Analysis in Climate Research. Cambridge University Press, 455 pp.

  • Wang, Y. H., and G. Magnusdottir, 2012: The shift of the northern node of the NAO and cyclonic Rossby wave breaking. J. Climate, 25, 79737982, doi:10.1175/JCLI-D-11-00596.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Wiedenmann, J. M., A. R. Lupo, I. I. Mokhov, and E. Tikhonova, 2002: The climatology of blocking anticyclones for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres: Block intensity as a diagnostic. J. Climate, 15, 34593473, doi:10.1175/1520-0442(2002)015<3459:TCOBAF>2.0.CO;2.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Woollings, T., and B. Hoskins, 2008: Simultaneous Atlantic–Pacific blocking and the Northern Annular Mode. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 134, 16351646, doi:10.1002/qj.310.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Woollings, T., and M. Blackburn, 2012: The North Atlantic jet stream under climate change and its relation to the NAO and EA patterns. J. Climate, 25, 886902, doi:10.1175/JCLI-D-11-00087.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Woollings, T., B. Hoskins, M. Blackburn, and P. Berrisford, 2008: A new Rossby wave–breaking interpretation of the North Atlantic Oscillation. J. Atmos. Sci., 65, 609626, doi:10.1175/2007JAS2347.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Woollings, T., A. Hannachi, and B. Hoskins, 2010a: Variability of the North Atlantic eddy-driven jet stream. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 136, 856868, doi:10.1002/qj.625.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Woollings, T., A. Hannachi, B. Hoskins, and A. Turner, 2010b: A regime view of the North Atlantic Oscillation and its response to anthropogenic forcing. J. Climate, 23, 12911307, doi:10.1175/2009JCLI3087.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Yamazaki, A., and H. Itoh, 2013: Vortex–vortex interactions for the maintenance of blocking. Part I: The selective absorption mechanism and a case study. J. Atmos. Sci., 70, 725742, doi:10.1175/JAS-D-11-0295.1.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Yiou, P., and M. Nogaj, 2004: Extreme climatic events and weather regimes over the North Atlantic: When and where? Geophys. Res. Lett.,31, L07202, doi:10.1029/2003GL019119.

  • Zhang, X., C. Lu, and Z. Guan, 2012: Weakened cyclones, intensified anticyclones and recent extreme cold winter weather events in Eurasia. Environ. Res. Lett., 7, 044044, doi:10.1088/1748-9326/7/4/044044.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 1356 891 286
PDF Downloads 405 92 7