Analysis of the Mechanism Underlying Tibetan Plateau Vortex Frequency Difference between Strong and Weak MJO Periods

In this paper, the NCEP/DOE reanalysis data, OLR data from NOAA, Australian Meteorological Bureau real-time multivariate MJO index, and Tibetan Plateau vortex (TPV) statistical data from the Chengdu Institute of Plateau Meteorology, are used to discuss the modulation of the TPV by the MJO, through applying the wavelet analysis and composite analysis. The results show that: (1) The MJO plays an important role in modulating the TPV, as the number of TPVs generated in strong MJO periods is three times that in weak periods. (2) During strong (weak) MJO periods, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is in control of a low-frequency, low-pressure cyclone (high-pressure, anticyclone) system, and thus the atmospheric circulation conditions over the plateau are conducive (inconducive) to the generation of TPVs. (3) During strong (weak) MJO periods, southerly (northerly) winds prevail in the east of the TP, while northerly (southerly) winds in the west. Over the northern part of the TP, easterly (westerly) flow is predominant, while westerly (easterly) flow prevails over the south, thus conducive (inconducive) to the formation of cyclonic circulation (i.e., TPVs) at low altitude over the TP. (4) In strong MJO periods, water vapor is relatively less abundant over most of the TP, inconducive to the generation of TPVs; however, moisture transported by the south branch trough and the low-frequency, high-pressure anticyclone system from the Bay of Bengal, are very important for the development of TPVs. As the strength of the MJO changes continuously during its eastward propagation, the intensity of tropical convection and vertical circulation structures of the tropical atmosphere also change accordingly. Alternation between favorable and unfavorable conditions for the generation of TPVs occurs, thus resulting in significant frequency differences of TPVs between strong and weak MJO periods.