Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Role of the Nocturnal Low-level Jet in the Formation of the Morning Precipitation Peak over the Dabie Mountains

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Advances in Atmospheric Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The diurnal variation of precipitation over the Dabie Mountains (DBM) in eastern China during the 2013 mei-yu season is investigated with forecasts of a regional convection-permitting model. Simulated precipitation is verified against surface rain-gauge observations. The observed morning precipitation peak on the windward (relative to the prevailing synoptic-scale wind) side of the DBM is reproduced with good spatial and temporal accuracy. The interaction between the DBM and a nocturnal boundary layer low-level jet (BLJ) due to the inertial oscillation mechanism is shown to be responsible for this precipitation peak. The BLJ is aligned with the lower-level southwesterly synoptic-scale flow that carries abundant moisture. The BLJ core is established at around 0200 LST upwind of the mountains. It moves towards the DBM and reaches maximum intensity at about 70 km ahead of the mountains. When the BLJ impinges upon the windward side of the DBM in the early morning, mechanical lifting of moist air leads to condensation and subsequent precipitation.

摘要

大别山地区是江淮流域一个暴雨中心, 降水日变化呈现典型的双峰结构, 其中清晨降水峰值的形成机制原因较为复杂, 过去存在较大的争议. 本文利用南京大学夏季实时运行的4km WRF, 研究了梅雨期间大别山地区清晨峰值降水的形成机制, 模式预报很好地再现了大别山地区的降水时空分布和日变化特征. 研究表明, 大别山迎风坡区域夜间边界层急流存在明显的惯性振荡, 凌晨5点左右惯性振荡方向与盛行风方向重合, 夜间边界层急流强度达到最强; 当低层暖湿气流输送到大别山地区时, 地形抬升作用进一步增强了降水. 夜间边界层急流增强和大别山地形的抬升作用是该地区清晨降水峰值形成的主要机制.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bao, X. H., F. Q. Zhang, and J. H. Sun, 2011: Diurnal variations of warm-season precipitation East of the Tibetan Plateau over China. Mon. Wea. Rev., 139, 2790–2810, https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-11-00006.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blackadar, A. K., 1957: Boundary layer wind maxima and their significance for the growth of nocturnal inversions. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 38, 283–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, G. X., W. M. Sha, and T. Iwasaki, 2009: Diurnal variation of precipitation over southeastern China: Spatial distribution and its seasonality. J. Geophys. Res., 114, D13103, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JD011103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, H. M., R. C. Yu, J. Li, W. H. Yuan, and T. J. Zhou, 2010: Why nocturnal long-duration rainfall presents an eastward-delayed diurnal phase of rainfall down the Yangtze River Valley. J. Climate, 23, 905–917, https://doi.org/10.1175/2009JCLI3187.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Y.-L., X. A. Chen, and Y.-X. Zhang, 1994: A diagnostic study of the low-level jet during TAMEX IOP 5. Mon. Wea. Rev., 122, 2257–2284, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1994)122<2257:ADSOTL>2.0.CO;2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Y.-L., and J. Li, 1995: Large-scale conditions favorable for the development of heavy rainfall during TAMEX IOP 3. Mon. Wea. Rev., 123, 2978–3002, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1995)123<2978:LSCFFT>2.0.CO;2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Y.-L., X. A. Chen, S. Chen, and Y.-H. Kuo, 1997: A numerical study of the low-level Jet during TAMEX IOP 5. Mon. Wea. Rev., 125, 2583–2604, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1997)125<2583:ANSOTL>2.0.CO;2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, W. D., P. J. Rasch, B. A. Boville, J. J. Hack, J. R. Mc-Caa, D. L. Williamson, J. T. Kiehl, and B. Briegleb, 2004: Description of the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model (CAM 3.0). NCAR Technical Note NCAR/TN-464+STR.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dai, A. G., F. Giorgi, and K. E. Trenberth, 1999: Observed and model-simulated diurnal cycles of precipitation over the contiguous United States. J. Geophys. Res., 104, 6377–6402, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JD02720.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding, Y. H., 1992: Summer monsoon rainfalls in China. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 70, 373–396, https://doi.org/10.2151/jmsj1965.70.1B373.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding, Y. H., and J. C. L. Chan, 2005: The East Asian summer monsoon: An overview. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 89, 117–142, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-005-0125-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du, Y., Q. H. Zhang, Y. Ying, and Y. M. Yang, 2012: Characteristics of low-level jets in Shanghai during the 2008–2009 warm seasons as inferred from wind profiler radar data. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 90, 891–903, https://doi.org/10.2151/jmsj.2012-603.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du, Y., Q. H. Zhang, Y. L. Chen, Y. Y. Zhao, and X. Wang, 2014: Numerical simulations of spatial distributions and diurnal variations of low-level jets in China during Early summer. J. Climate, 27, 5747–5767, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-13-00571.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du, Y., R. Rotunno, and Q. H. Zhang, 2015: Analysis of WRFsimulated diurnal boundary layer winds in eastern China using a simple 1D model. J. Atmos. Sci., 72, 714–727, https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS-D-14-0186.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geng, B., H. Yamada, K. K. Reddy, H. Uyeda, and Y. Fujiyoshi, 2009: Mesoscale development and along-frontal variation of a Meiyu/Baiu front and precipitation observed in the downstream region of the Yangtze River. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 87, 423–457, https://doi.org/10.2151/jmsj.87.423.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He, Z. W., Q. H. Zhang, and J. Sun, 2016: The contribution of mesoscale convective systems to intense hourly precipitation events during the warm seasons over central East China. Adv. Atmos. Sci., 33, 1233–1239, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-016-6034-x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He, Z. W., Q. H. Zhang, L. Q. Bai, and Z. Y. Meng, 2017: Characteristics of mesoscale convective systems in central East China and their reliance on atmospheric circulation patterns. International Journal of Climatology, 37, 3276–3290, https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.4917.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J., Y.-L. Chen, and W.-C. Lee, 1997: Analysis of a heavy rainfall event during TAMEX. Mon. Wea. Rev., 125, 1060–1082, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1997)125<1060: AOAHRE>2.0.CO;2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luo, Y. L., W. M. Qian, R. H. Zhang, and D.-L. Zhang, 2013a: Gridded hourly precipitation analysis from high-density rain gauge network over the Yangtze–Huai Rivers Basin during the 2007 Mei-Yu season and comparison with CMORPH. Journal of Hydrometeorology, 14, 1243–1258, https://doi.org/10.1175/JHM-D-12-0133.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luo, Y. L., H. Wang, R. H. Zhang, W. M. Qian, and Z. Z. Luo, 2013b: Comparison of rainfall characteristics and convective properties of monsoon precipitation systems over South China and the Yangtze and Huai River Basin. J. Climate, 26, 110–132, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00100.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mass, C. F., D. Ovens, K. Westrick, and B. A. Colle, 2002: Does increasing horizontal resolution produce more skillful forecasts?: The results of two years of real-time numerical weather prediction over the Pacific Northwest. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 83, 407–430, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0477(2002)083<0407:DIHRPM>2.3.CO;2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, H., J. A. Curry, and V. I. Khvorostyanov, 2005: A new double-moment microphysics parameterization for application in cloud and climate models. Part I: Description. J. Atmos. Sci., 62, 1665–1677, https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS3446.1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nesbitt, S. W., and E. J. Zipser, 2003: The diurnal cycle of rainfall and convective intensity according to three years of TRMM measurements. J. Climate, 16, 1456–1475, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0442-16.10.1456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pleim, J. E., 2006: A simple, efficient solution of flux profile relationships in the atmospheric surface layer. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, 45, 341–347, https://doi.org/10.1175/JAM2339.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pleim, J. E., 2007: A combined local and nonlocal closure model for the atmospheric boundary layer. Part I: Model description and testing. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, 46, 1383–1395, https://doi.org/10.1175/JAM2539.1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skamarock, W. C., and Coauthors, 2005: A Description of the Advanced Research WRF Version 2. NCAR Technical Note NCAR/TN-475+STR.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun, J. H., and F. Q. Zhang, 2012: Impacts of mountain–plains solenoid on diurnal variations of rainfalls along the Mei-Yu front over the East China plains. Mon. Wea. Rev., 140, 379–397, https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-11-00041.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van De Wiel, B. J. H., A. F. Moene, G. J. Steeneveld, P. Baas, F. C. Bosveld, and A. A. M. Holtslag, 2010: A conceptual view on inertial oscillations and nocturnal low-level jets. J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 2679–2689, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JAS3289.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, J. M., 1975: Diurnal variations in precipitation and thunderstorm frequency over the conterminous United States. Mon. Wea. Rev., 103, 406–419, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1975)103<0406:DVIPAT>2.0.CO;2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, C.-C., G. T.-J. Chen, and R. E. Carbone, 2005: Variability of warm-season cloud episodes over East Asia based on GMS infrared brightness temperature observations. Mon. Wea. Rev, 133, 1478–1500, https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR2928.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weisman, M. L., W. C. Skamarock, and J. B. Klemp, 1997: The resolution dependence of explicitly modeled convective systems. Mon. Wea. Rev., 125, 527–548, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1997)125<0527:TRDOEM>2.0.CO;2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, W. X., and E. J. Zipser, 2011: Diurnal variations of precipitation, deep convection, and lightning over and East of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. J. Climate, 24, 448–465, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JCLI3719.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamada, H., B. Geng, H. Uyeda, and K. Tsuboki, 2007: Thermodynamic impact of the heated landmass on the nocturnal evolution of a cloud cluster over a Meiyu-Baiu front. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 85, 663–685, https://doi.org/10.2151/jmsj.85.663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, R. C., T. J. Zhou, A. Y. Xiong, Y. J. Zhu, and J. M. Li, 2007: Diurnal variations of summer precipitation over contiguous China. Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L01704, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL028129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, W. H., R. C. Yu, H. M. Chen, J. Li, and M. H. Zhang, 2010: Subseasonal characteristics of diurnal variation in summer monsoon rainfall over central eastern China. J. Climate, 23, 6684–6695, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JCLI3805.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, W. H., R. C. Yu, M. H. Zhang, W. Y. Lin, H. M. Chen, and J. Li, 2012: Regimes of diurnal variation of summer rainfall over subtropical East Asia. J. Climate, 25, 3307–3320, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-11-00288.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, W. H., R. C. Yu, M. H. Zhang, W. Y. Lin, J. Li, and Y. F. Fu, 2013: Diurnal cycle of summer precipitation over subtropical East Asia in CAM5. J. Climate, 26, 3159–3172, https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00119.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng, Y. G., M. Xue, B. Li, J. Chen, and Z. Y. Tao, 2016: Spatial characteristics of extreme rainfall over China with hourly through 24-hour accumulation periods based on nationallevel hourly rain gauge data. Adv. Atmos. Sci., 33, 1218–1232, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-016-6128-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, K. F., and M. Xue, 2016: Evaluation of WRF-based convection-permitting multi-physics ensemble forecasts over China for an extreme rainfall event on 21 July 2012 in Beijing. Adv. Atmos. Sci., 33, 1240–1258, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-016-6202-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, K. F., and Coauthors, 2018: Evaluation of real-time convection-permitting precipitation forecasts in China during the 2013–2014 summer season. J. Geophys. Res., 123, 1037–1064, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JD027445.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was primarily supported by the Special Foundation of the China Meteorological Administration (Grant No. GYHY201506006). The work was also supported by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41405100, 41322032 and 41275031).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Mesoscale Severe Weather/Ministry of Education and School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China

    Peiling Fu, Kefeng Zhu, Kun Zhao, Bowen Zhou & Ming Xue

  2. Guangzhou Meteorological Observatory, Guangzhou, 511430, China

    Peiling Fu

  3. Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73072, USA

    Ming Xue

Authors
  1. Peiling Fu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kefeng Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kun Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Bowen Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ming Xue
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kefeng Zhu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fu, P., Zhu, K., Zhao, K. et al. Role of the Nocturnal Low-level Jet in the Formation of the Morning Precipitation Peak over the Dabie Mountains. Adv. Atmos. Sci. 36, 15–28 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-018-8095-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-018-8095-5

Key words

关键词

Search

Navigation