Atlantic blocking events in a simplified nonlinear baroclinic model for local finite-amplitude wave activity

Abstract

To better understand the mechanisms underlying the formation of blocking highs over the North Atlantic as a type of large-amplitude disturbance, this paper reports results from numerical experiments within the framework of local finite-amplitude wave activity (LWA). The numerical model employed in this study explicitly depicts two important atmospheric internal dynamic processes—nonlinear zonal eddy flux and Rossby wave packet propagation—which have been individually emphasized by different previous studies. The simulation results reveal that these two dynamic processes are the dominant contributors to the formation of Atlantic blocking cases. However, they exert different influences over different regions. The southern and northern parts of the primary LWA associated with the blocking cases are mainly induced by the nonlinear zonal eddy flux and Rossby wave packet propagation, respectively. Thus, this study reconciles and integrates insights from previous studies on Atlantic blocking events, providing a cohesive understanding of their formation.

摘要

为研究北大西洋阻高的形成机制, 本文在局部有限振幅波活动 (LWA) 框架下进行了一系列数值实验. 采用的数值模型能显式地描绘出两种重要的大气内部动力过程, 即非线性纬向位涡通量和Rossby波包传播. 模拟结果显示, 这两种动力学过程均是形成大西洋阻高的重要机理. 具体地, 非线性纬向位涡通量和Rossby波包传播, 分别是大西洋阻高南部和北部LWA形成的主导因子. 因此, 本研究综合了前人关于大西洋阻高的研究成果, 为其形成机理提供了新的认识.