Space-time variability of low frequency oscillations and Asian summer monsoon precipitation

Summary In this study, we provide an observational synthesis of several aspects of MJO (Madden Julian Oscillation) and ISO (Intra Seasonal Oscillation) waves and the manner in which they seem to affect the Asian summer monsoon variability. We examine a number of features such as the passage of MJO waves around the globe from west to east, excitation of ISO waves over the equatorial Indian Ocean, meridional propagation of ISO waves and the role of the local Hadley cell over the monsoon domain in its propagation. The geographical distribution of the amplitude and phase speed of ISO waves over the Asian summer monsoon domain shows that the ISO has prominent centers of action, with small scales of the order of a few 1000 km and that these features vary interannually in amplitude and in their geographical locations. It was also seen that some of the interesting features of the WET and DRY season rainfall distribution can be obtained by compositing the extremes of the amplitude oscillations of these ISO centers. We also noted that the amplitudes of ISO waves generally decay as they propagate north but have an occasional built up in their amplitudes when they seem to encounter and interact with heavy rain producing monsoon disturbances. The issue of these low frequency modes and the modulation of monsoonal dry and wet spells are examined in the context of this broad scenario.