Effects of large-scale wind on the Kuroshio path south of Japan in a 60-year historical OGCM simulation

The effects of large-scale wind forcing on the bimodality of the Kuroshio path south of Japan, the large meander (LM) and non-large meander (NLM), were studied by using a historical simulation (1948–2007) with a high-resolution Ocean general circulation models (OGCM). The Kuroshio in this simulation spent much time in the NLM state, and reproduced several aspects of its long-term path variability for the first time in historical OGCM simulation, presumably because the eddy kinetic energy was kept at a moderate level. By using the simulated fields, the relationships between wind forcing (or Kuroshio transport) and path variation proposed by past studies were tested, and specific roles of eddies in those variations were investigated. The long-term variation of the simulated net Kuroshio transport south of Japan was largely explained by the linear baroclinic Rossby wave adjustment to wind forcing. In the simulated LM events, a triggering meander originated from the interaction of a wind-induced positive sea surface height (SSH) anomaly with the upstream Kuroshio and was enlarged by cyclonic eddies from the recirculation gyre. The cyclonic eddy of the trigger meander was followed by a sizable anticyclonic eddy on the upstream side. Subsequently, a weak (strong) Kuroshio favored the LM (NLM). The LM tended to be maintained when the Kuroshio transport off southern Japan was small, and increasing Kuroshio transport promoted decay of an existing LM. The supply of disturbances from upstream, which is related to the wind-induced SSH variability at low latitudes, contributed to the maintenance of an existing LM.     

Response of ocean dynamics to multiple equilibria of the Kuroshio path South of Japan

Variability of the Kuroshio path to the south of Japan plays a central role in the local climate change and exerts tremendous influences on the local atmosphere and ocean. In this study, the response of ocean dynamics, in terms of the eddy kinetic energy (EKE), potential vorticity (PV), relative vorticity, and eddy-mean flow interaction, to the Kuroshio path change is discussed. Kuroshio path south of Japan includes the near-shore non-large meander (nNLM), the off-shore non-large meander (oNLM), and the typical large meander (tLM). Analyses reveal that the distribution of EKE, PV, relative vorticity, and energy exchange between the eddy field and the mean flow respectively varies with the Kuroshio path: (1) The tLM has the maximum EKE along the path; (2) The positive and negative PV are located at the onshore and offshore side of Kuroshio axis, respevetively; (3) The distributions of anomalous relative voritcity of nNLM, oNLM, and tLM are consistent with sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs); (4) The tLM has the largest energy exchange between the eddy field and the mean flow in terms of the rate of barotropic energy conversion. On the other hand, the stability analysis of ocean currents suggests that the three Kuroshio paths south of Japan have their own intrinsic properties of the instability.     

Optimal Initial Error Growth in the Prediction of the Kuroshio Large Meander Based on a High-resolution Regional Ocean Model

Based on the high-resolution Regional Ocean Modeling System(ROMS) and the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation(CNOP) method, this study explored the effects of optimal initial errors on the prediction of the Kuroshio large meander(LM) path, and the growth mechanism of optimal initial errors was revealed. For each LM event, two types of initial error(denoted as CNOP1 and CNOP2) were obtained. Their large amplitudes were found located mainly in the upper 2500 m in the upstream region of the LM, i.e., southeast of Kyushu. Furthermore, we analyzed the patterns and nonlinear evolution of the two types of CNOP. We found CNOP1 tends to strengthen the LM path through southwestward extension. Conversely,CNOP2 has almost the opposite pattern to CNOP1, and it tends to weaken the LM path through northeastward contraction.The growth mechanism of optimal initial errors was clarified through eddy-energetics analysis. The results indicated that energy from the background field is transferred to the error field because of barotropic and baroclinic instabilities. Thus, it is inferred that both barotropic and baroclinic processes play important roles in the growth of CNOP-type optimal initial errors.     

冬季黑潮延伸体区域海表温度锋对北太平洋风暴轴的影响

利用NOAA最优插值逐日海表温度资料和NCEP/NCAR的逐日大气再分析资料,分析了冬季黑潮延伸体区域海表温度锋的变化及其对北太平洋风暴轴的影响。结果表明,冬季黑潮延伸体区域海表温度锋强度和纬度位置既存在年际变化,也存在年代际变化,且强度和位置的变化是相互独立的。冬季黑潮延伸体区域海表温度锋强度的年际变化对北太平洋风暴轴没有显著的影响,而其年代际变化则对北太平洋风暴轴具有非常显著的影响,当冬季海表温度锋偏强时,大气斜压性在鄂霍次克海及阿拉斯加附近区域上空增强,而在海表温度锋下游至东太平洋区域上空显著减弱,平均有效位能向涡动有效位能的斜压能量转换在45°N以北的太平洋区域上空有所增多,而在30°-45°N的太平洋区域上空有所减少,涡动有效位能向涡动动能的斜压能量转换在35°N以北的西太平洋区域以及45°N以北的东太平洋区域都显著增加,而仅在其南部边缘存在东西带状的减弱区域,导致40°N以北海区北太平洋风暴轴增强,40°N以南海区北太平洋风暴轴减弱,冬季海表温度锋偏弱时则有与之相反的结果。冬季黑潮延伸体区域海表温度锋纬度位置的变化对北太平洋风暴轴也存在较显著的影响,当海表温度锋位置偏北时,在其下游45°N以南的太平洋区域上空大气斜压性减弱,45°N以南的中东太平洋区域上空区域平均有效位能向涡动有效位能、以及涡动有效位能向涡动动能的斜压能量转换都减少;而在45°N以北的太平洋区域上空大气斜压性增强,在阿拉斯加湾附近上空尤其显著,在黑潮延伸体区域附近以及45°N以北的中东太平洋上空平均有效位能向涡动有效位能、以及涡动有效位能向涡动动能的斜压能量转换都显著增加,导致北太平洋风暴轴在其气候平均态轴线两侧呈现北正南负的偶极子形态;海表温度锋位置偏南时则有与之相反的结果。冬季黑潮延伸体区域海表温度锋强度和位置的变化均对北太平洋风暴轴具有显著的影响,其具体的物理机制还需要进一步的研究。      

条件非线性最优扰动方法在黑潮目标观测研究中的应用

对近年来利用条件非线性最优扰动（Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation,CNOP）方法开展的黑潮目标观测研究进行了总结,主要包括日本南部黑潮路径变异的目标观测研究、黑潮延伸体模态转变的目标观测研究和源区黑潮流量变化的目标观测研究。通过计算这些事件的CNOP型扰动,发现这些事件的CNOP型扰动具有局地特征,可以作为实施目标观测的敏感区。理想回报试验结果表明,如果在由CNOP方法识别的敏感区内实施目标观测,则会大幅度提高上述事件的预报技巧。     

Impacts of Typhoons on Kuroshio Large Meander: Observation Evidences

The formation of the Kuroshio large meander in summer 2004 was investigated by using the cruise data,Argo profiles data,and satellite remote sensing data.The authors validated the point that cyclonic eddies contrib-uted to the large meander.Besides,.the impacts of ty-phoons on Kuroshio meanders were also studied.From 29 July to 4 August,the typhoons stirred the ocean and up-welled the deep water,which enhanced the existed cyc-lonic eddy,and immediately made a drastic meander of the Kuroshio.Moreover,the unexpected typhoons in June 2004 also contributed to the initial meander at the Tokara Strait.The result suggests an alternative meander mecha-nism of the Kuroshio path via the typhoon-eddy-Kuroshio interactions.It is argued that typhoons accompanied with cyclonic eddies,might play crucial roles in meanders of the Kuroshio.This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the western boundary flows,like the Kuroshio and the Gulf Stream,and will be useful in eddy-resolution models.     

Application of the Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation Method to the Predictability Study of the Kuroshio Large Meander

A reduced-gravity barotropic shallow-water model was used to simulate the Kuroshio path variations.The results show that the model was able to capture the essential features of these path variations.We used one simulation of the model as the reference state and investigated the effects of errors in model parameters on the prediction of the transition to the Kuroshio large meander (KLM) state using the conditional nonlinear optimal parameter perturbation (CNOP-P) method.Because of their relatively large uncertainties,three model parameters were considered:the interfacial friction coefficient,the wind-stress amplitude,and the lateral friction coefficient.We determined the CNOP-Ps optimized for each of these three parameters independently,and we optimized all three parameters simultaneously using the Spectral Projected Gradient 2 (SPG2) algorithm.Similarly,the impacts caused by errors in initial conditions were examined using the conditional nonlinear optimal initial perturbation (CNOP-I) method.Both the CNOP-I and CNOP-Ps can result in significant prediction errors of the KLM over a lead time of 240 days.But the prediction error caused by CNOP-I is greater than that caused by CNOP-P.The results of this study indicate not only that initial condition errors have greater effects on the prediction of the KLM than errors in model parameters but also that the latter cannot be ignored.Hence,to enhance the forecast skill of the KLM in this model,the initial conditions should first be improved,the model parameters should use the best possible estimates.     

Assimilation of Satellite Altimetry into a Western North Pacific Operational Model

l. IntroductionLinear dynamics ls domlnant as a response to atmospheric forcing in the equatrialregion. In the mid-- to high--latitudes, ocean represents nonlinear phenomena such as strongcurrents and meso--scale eddies. Heat and water fluxes are also important. The resultantscales of the phenomena are rather small. We developed, for the mid-- to high--latitudes, anocean data assimilation system COMPASS--K: Comprehensive Ocean ModeIing, Prediction,Analysis and Synthesis System in the K…     

Seasonal Variation of the East Asian Subtropical Westerly Jet and Its Association with the Heating Field over East Asia

The structure and seasonal variation of the East Asian Subtropical Westerly Jet （EAWJ） and associations with heating fields over East Asia are examined by using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data. Obvious differences exist in the westerly jet intensity and location in different regions and seasons due to the ocean-land distribution and seasonal thermal contrast, as well as the dynamic and thermodynamic impacts of the Tibetan Plateau. In winter, the EAWJ center is situated over the western Pacific Ocean and the intensity is reduced gradually from east to west over the East Asian region. In summer, the EAWJ center is located over the north of the Tibetan Plateau and the jet intensity is reduced evidently compared with that in winter. The EAWJ seasonal evolution is characterized by the obvious longitudinal inconsistency of the northward migration and in-phase southward retreat of the EAWJ axis. A good correspondence between the seasonal variations of EAWJ and the meridional differences of air temperature （MDT） in the mid-upper troposphere demonstrates that the MDT is the basic reason for the seasonal variation of EAWJ. Correlation analyses indicate that the Kuroshio Current region to the south of Japan and the Tibetan Plateau are the key areas for the variations of the EAWJ intensities in winter and in summer, respectively. The strong sensible and latent heating in the Kuroshio Current region is closely related to the intensification of EAWJ in winter. In summer, strong sensible heating in the Tibetan Plateau corresponds to the EAWJ strengthening and southward shift, while the weak sensible heating in the Tibetan Plateau is consistent with the EAWJ weakening and northward migration.     

THE MEANDER OF KUROSHIO AND OSCILLATION IN A COUPLED OCEAN-ATMOSPHERE MODEL*

A numerical experiment of an asynchronous coupled ocean-atmosphere model has been described in this paper.A two-layer global atmosphere general circulation model(OSU/IAP-AGCM)and a two-layer North Pacific Ocean general circulation model(NPOGCM) developed by Liu et al.(1992)are used in numerical experiment.The sea surface temperature anomaly(SSTA) corresponding to the meander of the Kuroshio is treated as the initial perturbation in the Pacific Ocean and the abnormal phenomena caused by the disturbance and the interaction between atmosphere and ocean,have been studied.The numerical experiment showed that the SST anomaly in the North Pacific could induce a new 30-60 day osciltation through the coupling between atmosphere and ocean and the interaction between the meander of the Kuroshio and atmosphere circulation is a positive feedback process.     

东亚地区南北两个风暴源地中风暴的结构和动力学差异

基于欧洲中心中期天气预报再分析资料(ERA-40),使用涡旋追踪和合成技术、多尺度子空间变换以及局地多尺度能量分析方法研究了东亚地区南北两个风暴源地中风暴的差异。结果发现,南、北两个源地风暴在结构上和内部动力过程上均存在着显著不同。南支源地(40°N以南)风暴底层比高层强,与线性斜压模式中的最不稳定模态结构相似;而北支源地(40°N以北)风暴则正好相反,与下游发展理论所描述的斜压波结构相似。并且发现,南支源地风暴的非地转风场比北支源地风暴的强。能量学诊断结果显示,南支源地风暴的能量源除了斜压不稳定外,有很大一部分来自正压不稳定,而北支源地风暴中则是存在弱的动能逆尺度传输。此外,南支源地风暴的浮力转换和非绝热做功均比北支源地风暴的强,其主要原因是南支源地风暴的垂直运动更强,风暴中的水汽更加充足。      

Response of the North Pacific Storm Track Activity in the Cold Season to Multi-scale Oceanic Variations of Kuroshio Extension System: A Statistical Assessment

In this paper, a statistical method called Generalized Equilibrium Feedback Analysis(GEFA) is used to investigate the responses of the North Pacific Storm Track(NPST) in the cold season to the multi-scale oceanic variations of the Kuroshio Extension(KE) system, including its large-scale variation, oceanic front meridional shift, and mesoscale eddy activity.Results show that in the cold season from the lower to the upper troposphere, the KE large-scale variation significantly weakens the storm tr...     

Thin jet and contour dynamics models of Gulf Stream meandering

This paper reexamines the theory of the meandering of the Gulf Stream and other inertial jets. We develop a hybrid model (with piecewise constant potential vorticity in the upper layer and a deep layer initially at rest) which allows us to clarify the relationships among thin jet, contour dynamics, and instability models. Approximating the hybrid model leads to a simple two-contour model which can be analyzed easily and can be integrated numerically for large amplitude disturbances. The jet evolution predicted by the approximate model is quite similar to the meander development under the full dynamics, except that the time scales are shorter. The model shows that baroclinic processes clearly play a significant role in the growth of meanders, while upper-layer interactions drive the final pinch-off of eddies. In addition to such process studies, the approximate model provides a simple dynamical system for further investigations.     

远距离台风暴雨过程的正/斜压不稳定

利用正／斜压联合不稳定计算方法，分析了由9711号台风引起的远距离台风暴雨(实况及MM4模拟结果)过程中不同时段、不同位置的正／斜压项。结果表明：台风暴雨初始时段的降水主要由台风系统本身正压不稳定扰动引起，随着台风与西风带系统的结合，其南北部出现了2个雨区，均是正／斜压联合不稳定的产物；北部雨区的斜压不稳定较明显，且有随高空急流的非纬向性增强而增强的趋势。     

淮河流域东北部一次异常特大暴雨的数值模拟研究 Ⅱ: 不稳定条件及其增强和维持机制分析

利用"淮河流域东北部一次异常特大暴雨的数值模拟研究Ⅰ"的数值模拟结果,分析了几种不稳定对流涡度矢量(CVV)与中尺度深湿对流系统之间的关系,并分析了不稳定条件的增强和维持机制,结果表明:(1)中低层对流不稳定是深湿对流系统发生的先决条件,由于低层存在辐合,使得周围湿空气向暴雨区集中,对流单体在暴雨区汇聚,且发生合并增强,台风左前方向暴雨区输送对流不稳定能量等,是使得暴雨区对流不稳定重新建立和加强的重要机制.(2)深湿对流系统的中低层不仅有对流不稳定,而且还有斜压不稳定、条件对称不稳定,而中高层必须有湿斜压不稳定和条件对称不稳定.深湿对流系统中高层西(北)侧为负MPV2柱,东(南)侧为正MPV2柱;(3)深湿对流系统中惯性不稳定柱与惯性稳定柱相间分布,西(南)侧为负CVV柱,东(北)侧为正CVV柱,负CVV柱对深湿对流起激发作用;(4)惯性不稳定、湿倾斜不稳定和条件不稳定产生强的倾斜式对流,而强的倾斜式上升运动加强了深对流系统北侧高层的南风分量,因深对流系统南侧低层出现补偿性下沉气流,因而低层南风加强,高低空急流中心的加强会进一步加强对流的发展,使得惯性不稳定、湿倾斜不稳定及条件不稳定增强和维持,这是一个正反馈过程.(5)在暴雨中心以东维持一顺切变环流,同时暴雨中心的浅对流单体吸收来自南方的水汽和不稳定能量,中尺度辐合线与β中尺度涡旋对对流单体起组织和增强作用,对流系统中辐合、辐散柱相间分布,强散度柱与强涡柱互伴互耦,都有利于形成中尺度深湿对流系统,使不稳定向纵深方向发展,从而使得不稳定得到增强和维持.     

Application of Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation to Targeted Observation Studies of the Atmosphere and Ocean

This paper reviews progress in the application of conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation to targeted observation studies of the atmosphere and ocean in recent years, with a focus on the E1 Nifio-Southern Oscillation （ENSO）, Kuroshio path variations, and blocking events. Through studying the optimal precursor （OPR） and optimally growing initial error （OGE） of the occurrence of the above events, the similarity and localization features of OPR and OGE spatial structures have been found for each event. Ideal hindcasting experiments have shown that, if initial errors are reduced in the areas with the largest amplitude for the OPR and OGE for ENSO and Kuroshio path variations, the forecast skill of the model for these events is significantly improved. Due to the similarity between patterns of the OPR and OGE, additional observations implemented in the same sensitive region would help to not only capture the precursors, but also reduce the initial errors in the predictions, greatly increasing the forecast abilities. The similarity and localization of the spatial structures of the OPR and OGE during the onset of blocking events have also been investigated, but their application to targeted observation requires further study.     

非纬向基本气流的斜压不稳定

本文用分层两层模式研究了在一般非纬向基本气流情况下的斜压不稳定。通过比较分析,给出了基本气流对斜压不稳定的影响,结果表明,在非纬向基本气流情况下,更有利于出现斜压不稳定。 将非纬向基本气流的斜压不稳定理论用于高纬度地区的大气运动,说明了高纬度地区常见的小扰动强烈发展,是切变基本气流所驱动的一种“涡旋波”的斜压不稳定。     

Charney's Model—the Renowned Prototype of Baroclinic Instability—Is Barotropically Unstable As Well

The Charney model is reexamined using a new mathematical tool, the multiscale window transform(MWT), and the MWT-based localized multiscale energetics analysis developed by Liang and Robinson to deal with realistic geophysical fluid flow processes. Traditionally, though this model has been taken as a prototype of baroclinic instability, it actually undergoes a mixed one. While baroclinic instability explains the bottom-trapped feature of the perturbation, the second extreme center in the perturbation field can only be explained by a new barotropic instability when the Charney–Green number γ 1, which takes place throughout the fluid column, and is maximized at a height where its baroclinic counterpart stops functioning.The giving way of the baroclinic instability to a barotropic one at this height corresponds well to the rectification of the tilting found on the maps of perturbation velocity and pressure. Also established in this study is the relative importance of barotropic instability to baroclinic instability in terms of γ. When γ 1, barotropic instability is negligible and hence the system can be viewed as purely baroclinic; when γ 1, however, barotropic and baroclinic instabilities are of the same order;in fact, barotropic instability can be even stronger. The implication of these results has been discussed in linking them to real atmospheric processes.     

A simple model of baroclinic adjustment and parameterization of eddy heat transport

Summary A nonlinear, forced, dissipative quasi-geostrophic, two-level -plane model of baroclinic instability is formulated. The model resolves a baroclinic zonal flow and a wave of arbitrary zonal scale. Multiple equilibrium solutions describing Hadley and eddy circulations coexist. Only the circulation with smaller thermal wind is stable. The most efficient eddy activity occurs at a zonal wavenumber close to the wavelength of maximum instability of linear baroclinic instability theory. For a wide range of forcing and dissipative parameters, the steady baroclinic zonal wind of the eddy regime is close to the critical shear of linear theory. Eddy statistics are obtained analytically in terms of the doparture of the zonally symmetric state from radiative equilibrium. A parameterization for the eddy heat transport is obtained.With 14 Figures     

Influence of Island Chains on the Kuroshio Intrusion in the Luzon Strait

By applying a global high-resolution (0.1°) OGCM, the influence of the island chains in the Luzon Strait (LS) on the Kuroshio intrusion is studied systematically. The island chains in the LS are separated into three parts: the south island chain, the middle and north island chain, and Babuyan Island. One control and three sensitivity experiments are conducted by adding these three parts of the topography gradually. From comparisons of the circulation, temperature, and salinity structures, it is found that the south island chain decreases the westward bending of the main Kuroshio path, the middle and north island chain increases the westward bending, and Babuyan Island also increases the westward bending. These results are extremely clear in winter. Dynamic diagnoses suggest that the westward bending increases with an increase in the incidence angle of the Kuroshio and an increase in the Kuroshio east branch transport. Moreover, the middle and north island chain can split the Kuroshio into two parts, the Kuroshio west and east branches, which can be seen clearly in the satellite altimeter maps.