Ben R. Lintner and J. David Neelin, 2008:
Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L16701, doi:10.1029/2008GL034298.
AGU Journal link.
Group use., Group use (Supp.)
Abstract. The influence of low-level inflow wind and its high frequency variability on the spatial characteristics of the eastern margin of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) is examined. Compositing pentadal- and daily averaged low-level zonal wind, precipitation, and tropospheric moisture data reveals a clear relationship between inflow wind variations and the eastern SPCZ margin, with relaxation of trade wind intensity associated with increased moisture near the mean position of the eastern margin and an eastward displacement of the convection. An idealized 2-dimensional model demonstrates that variations in dry air inflow can cause tropospheric moisture and precipitation variations akin to those observed. In this prototype, factors that affect the extent of SPCZ variability are also important to the position of the mean margin. SPCZ margin shifts under natural variability thus offer a useful observational target against which to evaluate model simulation of the interaction of the inflow air mass characteristics with convection.
Citation. Lintner, B. R. and J. D. Neelin: Eastern margin variability of the South Pacific Convergence Zone. Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L16701, doi:10.1029/2008GL034298.