Interactions between the MJO, Aerosols, and Convection over the Central Indian Ocean

Abstract

his study examines covariability of boundary layer cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations [estimated using the GEOS 3D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem)], convective clouds, precipitation, and lightning observed over the central equatorial Indian Ocean (CIO). Three distinct Madden?Julian oscillation (MJO) episodes were observed during the recent Dynamics of the MJO (DYNAMO; 2011/12) field campaign. Coherent relationships between CCN, rainfall, and lightning are apparent in time series from DYNAMO and more lightning located north of the equator is noted, compared to south of the equator. More-polluted environments north of the equator contained deep convective clouds that had stronger radar reflectivities (~2?3 dB) in the mixed-phase region (5?10-km altitude) compared to south of the equator. Following discussion of the MJO episodes that occurred during DYNAMO, 22 cycles of the MJO observed during boreal cold seasons in the years 2004?11 are examined with the aid of TRMM satellite observations. Climatological results suggest that horizontal transport of continental aerosols from proximal landmasses by the large-scale circulation after active MJO convection reinforces the meridional gradient of CCN concentrations in the CIO. Satellite observations depicted comparable aggregate cold cloud feature area in both regions in similar thermodynamic environments, leading to the suggestion that higher CCN concentrations north of the equator act to invigorate convection. Direct comparisons of convective intensity metrics to CCN support the aerosol hypothesis; however, in line with previous studies, it is acknowledged that conditional instability, vertical wind shear, and environmental moisture can modulate the initial development of deep convection over the CIO during select phases of the MJO.