High-frequency atmospheric variability over South China Sea as depicted by TRMM and QuikSCAT

By using the TRMM and QuikSCAT datathe characteristics of the 2-8 day high frequency atmo- spheric variability over the South China Sea are studied in this paper. It's found that: (1) the 2-8 day high frequency signals are significant not only during the periods of the South China Sea Sum- mer Monsoon (SCSSM), but also after the retreat of the SCSSM. It reaches its peak around July to August; (2) the 2-8 day high frequency signals exhibit strong intermittent features; (3) During El Nino years, the 2-8 day high frequency signals are active only in the periods of the SCSSM. During La Nina years, the 2-8 day high frequency signals are obviously not only in periods of the SCSSM, but also after the retreat of the SCSSM. During the SCSSM periods, the 2-8 day high frequency signals in El Nino years are much stronger than that in La Nina years; (4) During spring to early summer, most of 2-8 day signals propagate southward and eastward, during midsummer to autumn, however, most of 2-8-day signals propagate northward and westward; (5) The 2-8 day northward and westward propagation signals is probably related to the activities of high-frequency vortex over the SCS.