Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-1877
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-1877
04 Sep 2023
 | 04 Sep 2023

Opposite spectral properties of Rossby waves during weak and strong stratospheric polar vortex events

Michael K. Schutte, Daniela I. V. Domeisen, and Jacopo Riboldi

Abstract. In this study we provide a systematic characterization of Rossby wave activity during the 25 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) and 31 strong polar vortex (SPV) events that occurred in the period 1979–2021, identifying the specific tropospheric and stratospheric waves displaying anomalous behaviour during such events. Space-time spectral analysis is applied to ERA5 data for this purpose, so that both the wavenumber and the zonal phase speed of the waves can be assessed. We find that SSW events are associated with a reduction in the phase speed of Rossby waves, first in the stratosphere and then in the troposphere; SPV events are tied to a concomitant increase of phase speed across vertical levels. Phase speed anomalies become significant around the event and persist for 2–3 weeks afterwards. Changes of Rossby wave properties in the stratosphere during SSW and SPV events are dominated by changes in the background flow, with a systematic reduction or increase, respectively, in eastward propagation of the waves across most wavenumbers. In the troposphere, on the other hand, the effect of the background flow is also complemented by changes in wave properties, with a shift towards higher wavenumbers during SSW events and towards lower wavenumbers for SPV events. The opposite response between SSW and SPV events is also visible in the meridional heat and momentum flux co-spectra, which highlight from a novel perspective the connection between stratospheric Rossby waves and upward propagation of waves.

Michael K. Schutte, Daniela I. V. Domeisen, and Jacopo Riboldi

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1877', Anonymous Referee #1, 10 Oct 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Michael Schutte, 17 Nov 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1877', Anonymous Referee #2, 20 Oct 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Michael Schutte, 17 Nov 2023

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1877', Anonymous Referee #1, 10 Oct 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Michael Schutte, 17 Nov 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-1877', Anonymous Referee #2, 20 Oct 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Michael Schutte, 17 Nov 2023
Michael K. Schutte, Daniela I. V. Domeisen, and Jacopo Riboldi
Michael K. Schutte, Daniela I. V. Domeisen, and Jacopo Riboldi

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Short summary
The winter circulation in the stratosphere, a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere between 10 and 50 km height, is tightly linked to the circulation in the lower atmosphere determining our daily weather. This interconnection happens in the form of waves propagating in and between these two layers. Here we use space-time spectral analysis to show that disruptions and enhancements of the stratospheric circulation modify the shape and propagation of waves in both layers.