Changes of precipitation and extremes and the possible effect of urbanization in the Beijing metropolitan region during 1960–2012 based on homogenized observations

Daily precipitation series at 15 stations in the Beijing metropolitan region (BMR) during 1960-2012 were homogenized using the multiple analysis of series for homogenization method, with additional adjustments based on analysis of empirical cumulative density function (ECDF) regarding climate extremes. The cumulative density functions of daily precipitation series, the trends of annual and seasonal precipitation, and summer extreme events during 1960-2012 in the original and final adjusted series at Beijing station were comparatively analyzed to show the necessity and efficiency of the new method. Results indicate that the ECDF adjustments can improve the homogeneity of high-order moments of daily series and the estimation of climate trends in extremes. The linear trends of the regional-mean annual and seasonal (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) precipitation series are -10.16, 4.97, -20.04, 5.02, and -0.11 mm (10 yr)-1, respectively. The trends over the BMR increase consistently for spring/autumn and decrease for the whole year/summer; however, the trends for winter decrease in southern parts and increase in northern parts. Urbanization affects local trends of precipitation amount, frequency, and intensity and their geographical patterns. For the urban-influenced sites, urbanization tends to slow down the magnitude of decrease in the precipitation and extreme amount series by approximately -10.4% and -6.0%, respectively; enhance the magnitude of decrease in precipitation frequency series by approximately 5.7%; reduce that of extremes by approximately -8.9%; and promote the decreasing trends in the summer intensity series of both precipitation and extremes by approximately 6.8% and 51.5%, respectively.     

Stationarity of atmospheric waves and blocking over Europe—based on a reanalysis dataset and two climate scenarios

In this investigation, a circulation index was used which is capable of tracing blocked states of the hemispheric circulation which has a relevance for a mid-latitude window between 40° and 60°N and between 30°W and 30°E. Results with respect to the seasonality of blocking situations are presented. Additionally, it is shown to which degree the circulation conditions, as they are simulated by the ECHAM5-MPI/OM1 climate model, have a tendency to exhibit blocking. Finally, results are presented which indicate the developments in blocking if the index is applied to scenario runs of the model.     

Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metallic species in a tropical urban atmosphere – Delhi,India

Ambient respirable particles (PM₁₀; aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) collected in a tropical urban environment (Delhi, India) during December 2008-November 2009 were characterized with respect to 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 8 major and trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr). Concentrations of Σ₁₆PAHs (annual mean: 74.7 ± 50.7 ng m⁻³, range 22.1–258.4 ng m⁻³) and most metallic species were at least an order of magnitude greater than values reported from similar locations worldwide. Seasonal variations in Σ₁₆PAHs were significant (p < 0.001) with highest levels in winter while crustal and anthropogenic metals showed significant but mutually opposite seasonal dependence. Statistically significant associations were observed between chemical species and various meteorological parameters. The PAH profile was dominated by combustion-derived large-ring species (~85%) that were essentially local in origin. Principal component analysis–multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) apportioned four sources: crustal dust (73%), vehicular emission (21%), coal combustion (4%) and industrial emission (2%) that was further validated by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Temporal trend analysis showed that crustal sources were predominant in summer (p < 0.05) while the remaining sources were most active in winter. Summertime intrusions of Saharan dust were identified with the help of aerosol maps and air parcel backward trajectories. Inhalation cancer risk assessment showed that up to 3,907 excess cancer cases (357 for PAHs, 122 for Cd, 2040 for Cr (VI) and 1387 for Ni) are likely in Delhi considering lifetime inhalation exposure to these chemicals at their current concentrations.     

Influence of DSSs on urban air quality in China during 2005–2010 and analysis of a severe DSS event

In each year, Dust and Sandstorms (DSSs) triggered by cold air masses enhance particle concentration over large areas in China during spring and winter. In this paper, daily Air Pollution Index (API) of 113 major cities in China during dust events was analyzed to present the influence of DSSs on urban air quality. From 2005 to 2010, a total of 93 dust events were identified, on average there are approximately 16 dust events in a year. The number of total polluted days caused by DSSs in 113 major cities ranged from 147 to 546 each year, with maximum in 2010 and minimum in 2007. The number of total heavily polluted days caused by DSSs in major cities ranged from 14 to 78 each year, with maximum in 2010 and minimum in 2005. DSSs affected major cities most severely during March to May. Furthermore, a typical DSS observed from 26 to 31 May 2008 was described in terms of meteorological features and PM₁₀ concentration as well as API levels of 113 major cities. This event lead to high PM₁₀ concentration and low visibility over major cities, with maximum daily PM₁₀ concentration of 1511 μg m^?3 in Chifeng on 28 May, which was directly caused by strong wind in front of surface high pressure system passing through sand source areas in Mongolia and North China. The most severe pollution occurred on 29 May, with 38 cities polluted and 7 cities heavily polluted.     

Influence of the 6–9 day wave disturbances on temperature, vorticity and cloud cover over the tropical atlantic during summer 1985

Summary Using ECMWF and NCEP/NCAR analysis and reanalysis data sets, 6–9 day wave-like oscillations have been described in the African and tropical Atlantic troposphere during the summers of 1981 and 1985. In spite of several kinematic analogies, their structure was quite different from the African waves. In this paper we study the connection between the 6–9 day oscillations and the cloud cover with help of the ISCCP-Cl data set. The largest cloud cover oscillation (±30%) occurs in the 800–680 hPa layer, a maximum (minimum) is connected with a cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation. The influence of the 6–9 day oscillation on horizontal water vapor flux and temperature is also displayed.With 8 Figures     

Revealing the effects of the El Niño-southern oscillation on tropical cyclone intensity over the western north pacific from a model sensitivity study

Five sets of model sensitivity experiments are conducted to investigate the influence of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis location and atmospheric circulation on interannual variability of TC intensity in the western North Pacific (WNP). In each experiment, bogus TCs are placed at different initial locations, and simulations are conducted with identical initial and boundary conditions. In the first three experiments, the specified atmospheric and SST conditions represent the mean conditions of El Nio, La Nia, and neutral years. The other two experiments are conducted with the specified atmospheric conditions of El Nio and La Nia years but with SSTs exchanged. The model results suggest that TCs generated in the southeastern WNP incurred more favorable environmental conditions for development than TCs generated elsewhere. The different TC intensities between El Nio and La Nia years are caused by difference in TC genesis location and low-level vorticity (VOR). VOR plays a significant role in the intensities of TCs with the same genesis locations between El Nio and La Nia years.