In a groundbreaking study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, scientists from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered a direct link between the spring atmospheric heat source (AHS) over the Tibetan Plateau and summer rainfall in Northeast China. This research sheds light on the crucial role of soil moisture in this process, highlighting the intricate relationship between the Tibetan Plateau and summer precipitation patterns in the region.
For many years, the spring AHS over the Tibetan Plateau has been recognized as a significant influencer of the Asian summer monsoon and subsequent summer rainfall in southern China. However, its impact on Northeast China’s summer rainfall has remained elusive. This study aimed to bridge that knowledge gap by analyzing extensive data spanning from 1961 to 2020.
The findings of the study reveal that a stronger spring AHS over the Tibetan Plateau leads to increased summer precipitation in Northeast China. The researchers identified the role played by soil moisture in the Yellow River basin and North China as a critical factor in this process. During spring, an intensified AHS facilitates moisture transport to eastern China, resulting in a higher level of precipitation in the Yellow River basin and North China. This increase in soil moisture then regulates local temperatures by reducing surface temperatures and sensible heat.
The memory effect of soil moisture allows the intensified sensible heat to persist into midsummer, subsequently reducing the temperature difference between land and sea. This, in turn, weakens the southwesterly winds in the East Asia-West Pacific region and has a cascading effect on convective activities in the South China Sea and the tropical West Pacific region. As a result, it alters the atmospheric circulation in the East Asia-Pacific region, leading to cyclonic circulation anomalies and excessive precipitation in Northeast China.
Dr. HAN Yizhe, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher, emphasized the significance of this research not only in unraveling the mechanisms behind the influence of the spring atmospheric heat source over the Tibetan Plateau on summer precipitation in Northeast China but also in advancing the scientific prediction of summer precipitation in the region.
This groundbreaking study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between the Tibetan Plateau and summer rainfall patterns in Northeast China. By understanding the critical role of soil moisture and the cascading effects associated with the spring atmospheric heat source, scientists are now better equipped to predict and manage summer precipitation in the region. As climate change continues to have far-reaching consequences, this research paves the way for a deeper understanding of weather patterns and their implications for various areas across the globe.
