A Global Quasigeostrophic Diagnosis of Extratropical Extreme Precipitation

Abstract

This paper presents a global picture of the dynamic processes and synoptic characteristics of extratropical extreme precipitation events (EPEs), defined as annual maximum daily precipitation averaged over 7.5° × 7.5° regional boxes. Based on the quasigeostrophic omega equation, extreme precipitation can be decomposed into components forced by large-scale adiabatic disturbances and amplified by diabatic heating feedback. The spatial distribution of the diabatic feedback parameter is largely controlled by atmospheric precipitable water and captured by a simple model. Most spatial heterogeneities of EPEs in the middle and high latitudes are due to the spatial variations of large-scale adiabatic forcing. The adiabatic component includes the processes of vorticity advection, in which the synoptic vorticity advection by background wind dominates; temperature advection, in which the total meridional temperature advection by synoptic wind dominates; and boundary forcing. The synoptic patterns of EPEs in all extratropical regions can be classified into six clusters using the self-organizing map method: two clusters in low latitudes and four clusters in middle and high latitudes. Synoptic disturbances are characterized by strong pressure anomalies throughout the troposphere over the coastal regions and oceans and feature upper-level shortwave disturbances and a large westward tilt with height over land. Synoptic configurations favor moisture transport from ocean to land over coastal regions.