Quasi-Biweekly Oscillation of the Bay of Bengal–East Asia–Pacific Teleconnection in Boreal Summer

Abstract

The study reported in this paper used ERA-Interim reanalysis data to investigate the intraseasonal variability of the Bay of Bengal (BOB)–East Asia–Pacific teleconnection (BEAP) during the summer between 1979 and 2016. Over this period, the intraseasonal oscillation of the BEAP fell mainly within the quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) band. Variations in atmospheric circulation and precipitation, which may contribute to extreme weather events, showed a significant correlation with the phase transition of the BEAP from the BOB to East Asia and the Pacific. The evolution of the BEAP–QBWO is closely associated with the westward propagation of convective anomalies to the southwestern BOB. Dynamical analysis revealed that anomalous vertical motion coupled with anomalous convective activity over the southern BOB plays an important role in leading the phase propagation of the BEAP–QBWO, and that the horizontal advection anomalies can strengthen the BEAP–QBWO. Linear baroclinic model experiments confirmed that variations in convection over the southern BOB play a leading role in the BEAP–QBWO phase changes. Further research suggests that the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation can trigger the BEAP–QBWO through downstream propagation of convective disturbances to the southern BOB. This study provides insights into the cause and effect of the BEAP–QBWO, which will help to improve understanding of flood and drought patterns in the Asia–Pacific region.