The seasonal mean atmospheric precipitable water and water vapor transport over the Haihe River Basin (HRB) in North China with a focus on their interannual to interdecadal variability, and then the relationships of...The seasonal mean atmospheric precipitable water and water vapor transport over the Haihe River Basin (HRB) in North China with a focus on their interannual to interdecadal variability, and then the relationships of the interannual and interdecadal variability of the water cycle over the HRB to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and E1 Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena were investigated using the observational and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data. There was a strong interdecadal variability for the water cycle (such as precipitation and water vapor transport) over the region, with an abrupt change occurring mostly in the mid 1970s. The intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon largely affected the atmospheric water vapor transport. Generally, the net meridional convergence of the water vapor flux over the region was relatively large before 1965, and it declined gradually from then on with a further notable decrease since mid 1970s. Zonal water vapor transport was similar to meridional, but with a much smaller magnitude and no noteworthy turning in the mid 1970s. Results also suggested that the wind field played an important role in the water vapor transport over the HRB before the mid 1960s, and the interdecadal variability of the water cycle (precipitation, water vapor transport, etc.) in the summer was related to the PDO; however, interannual variation of the water vapor transport could also be related to the ENSO phenomena.展开更多
The intensity of summer precipitation interannual variability is strongest over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Valley(MLYRV). The variability is larger than 1.5 mm d–1 and up to 35%–40% of the cli...The intensity of summer precipitation interannual variability is strongest over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Valley(MLYRV). The variability is larger than 1.5 mm d–1 and up to 35%–40% of the climatological mean summer precipitation. The relationship between the interdecadal change in the intensity of summer precipitation and its interannual variability over this area is investigated, by analyzing five gauged and re-constructed precipitation datasets. The relationship is found to be very weak over the MLYRV, with a correlation coefficient of only approximately 0.10. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation influences the western North Pacific subtropical high, which is responsible for the interdecadal change in summer precipitation over the MLYRV. However, the precipitation interannual variability is closely related to the ENSO events in the preceding winter due to its impact on the meridional displacement of the East Asian westerly jet. Different physical mechanisms cause different interdecadal variation in the intensity of summer precipitation and its interannual variability, and thus result in a poor relationship.展开更多
A global atmospheric general circulation model (L9R15 AGCMs) forced by COADS SST was integrated from 1945 to 1993. Interannual and interdecadal variability of the simulated surface wind over the tropical Pacific was a...A global atmospheric general circulation model (L9R15 AGCMs) forced by COADS SST was integrated from 1945 to 1993. Interannual and interdecadal variability of the simulated surface wind over the tropical Pacific was analyzed and shown to agree vey well with observation. Simulation of surface wind over the central-western equatorial Pacific was more successful than that over the eastern Pacific. Zonal propagating feature of interannual variability of the tropical Pacific wind anomalies and its decadal difference were also simulated successfully. The close agreement between simulation and observation on the existence of obvious interdecadal variability of tropical Pacific surface wind attested to the high simulation capability of AGCM.展开更多
A key component of the East Asian climate system is seasonally varying monsoon wind. Its interannual and interdecadal variability, as we1l as underlying oceanic processes, is the subject of a recent project completed ...A key component of the East Asian climate system is seasonally varying monsoon wind. Its interannual and interdecadal variability, as we1l as underlying oceanic processes, is the subject of a recent project completed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A series of research progress in the areas of monsoon winds, ocean responses, upwelling and productivity has been made and reviewed by this paper.展开更多
The interdecadal change in the interannual variability of the South China Sea summer monsoon(SCSSM)intensity and its mechanism are investigated in this study.The interannual variability of the low-level circulation of...The interdecadal change in the interannual variability of the South China Sea summer monsoon(SCSSM)intensity and its mechanism are investigated in this study.The interannual variability of the low-level circulation of the SCSSM has experienced a significant interdecadal enhancement around the end of the 1980s,which may be attributed to the interdecadal changes in the evolution of the tropical Indo-Pacific sea surface temperature(SST)anomalies and their impacts on the SCSSM.From 1961 to 1989,the low-level circulation over the South China Sea is primarily affected by the SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean via the mechanism of Kelvin-wave-induced Ekman divergence.While in 1990 to 2020,the impacts of the summer SST anomalies in the Maritime Continent and the equatorial central to eastern Pacific on the SCSSM are enhanced,via anomalous meridional circulation and Mastuno-Gill type Rossby wave atmospheric response,respectively.The above interdecadal changes are closely associated with the interdecadal changes in the evolution of El Niño–Southern Oscillation(ENSO)events.The interdecadal variation of the summer SST anomalies in the developing and decaying phases of ENSO events enhances the influence of the tropical Indo-Pacific SST on the SCSSM,resulting in the interdecadal change in the interannual variability of the SCSSM.展开更多
The Indonesian Throughflow(ITF)plays important roles in global ocean circulation and climate systems.Previous studies suggested the ITF interannual variability is driven by both the El Niño-Southern Oscillation(E...The Indonesian Throughflow(ITF)plays important roles in global ocean circulation and climate systems.Previous studies suggested the ITF interannual variability is driven by both the El Niño-Southern Oscillation(ENSO)and the Indian Ocean Dipole(IOD)events.The detailed processes of ENSO and/or IOD induced anomalies impacting on the ITF,however,are still not clear.In this study,this issue is investigated through causal relation,statistical,and dynamical analyses based on satellite observation.The results show that the driven mechanisms of ENSO on the ITF include two aspects.Firstly,the ENSO related wind field anomalies driven anomalous cyclonic ocean circulation in the western Pacific,and off equatorial upwelling Rossby waves propagating westward to arrive at the western boundary of the Pacific,both tend to induce negative sea surface height anomalies(SSHA)in the western Pacific,favoring ITF reduction since the develop of the El Niño through the following year.Secondly,the ENSO events modulate equatorial Indian Ocean zonal winds through Walker Circulation,which in turn trigger eastward propagating upwelling Kelvin waves and westward propagating downwelling Rossby waves.The Rossby waves are reflected into downwelling Kelvin waves,which then propagate eastward along the equator and the Sumatra-Java coast in the Indian Ocean.As a result,the wave dynamics tend to generate negative(positive)SSHA in the eastern Indian Ocean,and thus enhance(reduce)the ITF transport with time lag of 0-6 months(9-12 months),respectively.Under the IOD condition,the wave dynamics also tend to enhance the ITF in the positive IOD year,and reduce the ITF in the following year.展开更多
During the boreal summer,intraseasonal oscillations exhibit significant interannual variations in intensity over two key regions:the central-western equatorial Pacific(5°S-5°N,150°E-150°W)and the s...During the boreal summer,intraseasonal oscillations exhibit significant interannual variations in intensity over two key regions:the central-western equatorial Pacific(5°S-5°N,150°E-150°W)and the subtropical Northwestern Pacific(10°-20°N,130°E-175°W).The former is well-documented and considered to be influenced by the ENSO,while the latter has received comparatively less attention and is likely influenced by the Pacific Meridional Mode(PMM),as suggested by partial correlation analysis results.To elucidate the physical processes responsible for the enhanced(weakened)intraseasonal convection over the subtropical northwestern Pacific during warm(cold)PMM years,the authors employed a moisture budget analysis.The findings reveal that during warm PMM years,there is an increase in summer-mean moisture over the subtropical northwestern Pacific.This increase interacts with intensified vertical motion perturbations in the region,leading to greater vertical moisture advection in the lower troposphere and consequently resulting in convective instability.Such a process is pivotal in amplifying intraseasonal convection anomalies.The observational findings were further verified by model experiments forced by PMM-like sea surface temperature patterns.展开更多
The climatological characteristics and interdecadal variability of the water vapor transport and budget over the Yellow River-Huaihe River valleys (YH1) and the Yangtze River-Huaihe River valleys (YH2) of East Chi...The climatological characteristics and interdecadal variability of the water vapor transport and budget over the Yellow River-Huaihe River valleys (YH1) and the Yangtze River-Huaihe River valleys (YH2) of East China were investigated in this study,using the NCEP/NCAR monthly mean reanalysis datasets from 1979 to 2009.Changes in the water vapor transport pattern occurred during the late 1990s over YH1 (YH2) that corresponded with the recent interdecadal changes in the eastern China summer precipitation pattern.The net moisture influx in the YH1 increased and the net moisture influx in the YH2 decreased during 2000-2009 in comparison to 1979-1999.Detailed features in the moisture flux and transport changes across the four boundaries were explored.The altered water vapor transport over the two domains can be principally attributed to the additive effects of the changes in the confluent southwesterly moisture flow by the Indian summer monsoon and East Asian summer monsoon (related with the eastward recession of the western Pacific subtropical high).The altered water vapor transport over YH1 was also partly caused by the weakened midlatitude westerlies.展开更多
In this paper, we mainly summarize and review the progresses in recent climatological studies(by CMSR,IAP/CAS and some associated domestic and international institutions) on the interannual and interdecadal variabilit...In this paper, we mainly summarize and review the progresses in recent climatological studies(by CMSR,IAP/CAS and some associated domestic and international institutions) on the interannual and interdecadal variabilities of monsoon troughs and their impacts on tropical cyclones and typhoons(TCs) geneses over the western North Pacific Ocean. The climatological characteristics of monsoon troughs and four types of circulation patterns favorable to TCs genesis over the western North Pacific Ocean in summer and autumn are given in this paper. It is also shown in this paper that the monsoon trough over the western North Pacific Ocean has obvious interannual and interdecadal variabilities. Especially, it is revealed in this paper that the interannual and interdecadal variabilities of the monsoon trough over the western North Pacific Ocean influence the TCs genesis not only through the impact on distributions of the vorticity in the lower troposphere and the divergence in the upper troposphere, the water vapor in the mid-and lower troposphere and the vertical shear of wind fields between the upper and lower troposphere over the western North Pacific Ocean, but also through the dynamical effects of the transition between convectively coupled tropical waves and providing disturbance energy. Besides, some climatological problems associated with TCs activity over the western North Pacific Ocean that need to be studied further are also pointed out in this paper.展开更多
Extensive flooding swept across large areas of Central Asia,mainly over Kazakhstan and southwestern Russia,from late March to April 2024.It was reported to be the worst flooding in the area in the past 70 years and ca...Extensive flooding swept across large areas of Central Asia,mainly over Kazakhstan and southwestern Russia,from late March to April 2024.It was reported to be the worst flooding in the area in the past 70 years and caused widespread devastation to society and infrastructure.However,the drivers of this record-breaking flood remain unexplored.Here,we show that the record-breaking floods were contributed by both long-term climate warming and interannual variability,with multiple climatic drivers at play across the synoptic to seasonal timescales.First,the heavy snowmelt in March 2024 was associated with above-normal preceding winter snow accumulation.Second,extreme rainfall was at a record-high during March 2024,in line with its increasing trend under climate warming.Third,the snowmelt and extreme rainfall in March were compounded by record-high soil moisture conditions in the preceding winter,which was a result of interannual variability and related to excessive winter rainfall over Central Asia.As climate warming continues,the interplay between the increasing trend of extreme rainfall,interannual variations in soil moisture pre-conditions,as well as shifting timing and magnitudes of spring snowmelt,will further increase and complicate spring flooding risks.This is a growing and widespread challenge for the mid-to high-latitude regions.展开更多
The rapid intensification(RI)magnitude of tropical cyclones(TCs)over the western North Pacific(WNP)exhibits significant interannual variability and is influenced by multiple factors across various scales.These factors...The rapid intensification(RI)magnitude of tropical cyclones(TCs)over the western North Pacific(WNP)exhibits significant interannual variability and is influenced by multiple factors across various scales.These factors primarily include:interannual factors—sea surface temperature(SST)in key regions of the WNP,eastern Indian Ocean SST,El Niño-Southern Oscillation(ENSO),South Pacific Subtropical Dipole(SPSD),and western Pacific teleconnection;decadal factors—Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO)and Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO);and longer-term factor—global warming.This study systematically analyzes these factors and their potential impacts,quantitatively assessing their relative importance.A statistical prediction model for the WNP TC-RI magnitude is developed based on ridge regression methods.The results indicate that the influence of these factors on the RI magnitude is closely related to the large-scale thermodynamic and dynamic conditions.Among them,the SPSD plays the most critical role in the interannual variability of the RI magnitude,followed by global warming and the AMO.Further analysis reveals that the statistical prediction model based on multiple factors demonstrates good predictive skill for the interannual variability of the TC RI magnitude.展开更多
The change in interannual precipitation variability(P_(IAV)),especially the part driven by El Niño–Southern Oscillation over the Pacific,has sparked worldwide concern.However,it is plagued by substantial uncerta...The change in interannual precipitation variability(P_(IAV)),especially the part driven by El Niño–Southern Oscillation over the Pacific,has sparked worldwide concern.However,it is plagued by substantial uncertainty,such as model uncertainty,internal variability,and scenario uncertainty.Single-model initial-condition large ensembles(SMILEs)and a polynomial fitting method were suggested to separate these uncertainty sources.However,the applicability of a widely used polynomial fitting method in the uncertainty separation of P_(IAV)projection remains unknown.This study compares three sources of uncertainty estimated from five SMILEs and 28 models with one ensemble member in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project(CMIP6).Results show that the internal uncertainty based on models with one ensemble member calculated using the polynomial fitting method is significantly underestimated compared to SMILEs.However,internal variability in CMIP6 as represented in the pre-industrial control run,aligns closely with SMILEs.At 1.5°C warming above the preindustrial level,internal variability dominates globally,masking the externally forced P_(IAV)signal.At 2.0°C warming,both internal and model uncertainties are significant over regions like Central Africa,the equatorial Indian Ocean,the Maritime Continent,and the Arctic,while internal variability still dominates elsewhere.In some regions,the forced signal becomes distinguishable from internal variability.This study reveals the limitations of the polynomial fitting method in separating P_(IAV)projection uncertainties and emphasizes the importance of SMILEs for accurately quantifying uncertainty sources.It also suggests that improving the intermodel agreement at warming levels of 1.5°C and 2.0°C will not substantially reduce uncertainty in most regions.展开更多
This study explores the impact of the tropical sea surface temperature(SST) independent of the preceding winter El Nino–Southern Oscillation(ENSO) events(ENSO-independent SST) on the interannual variability of the So...This study explores the impact of the tropical sea surface temperature(SST) independent of the preceding winter El Nino–Southern Oscillation(ENSO) events(ENSO-independent SST) on the interannual variability of the South China Sea Summer Monsoon(SCSSM) and the associated mechanisms. During summer, the ENSO-independent SST component dominates across tropical ocean regions. The tropical ENSO-independent SSTs during spring and summer in the Maritime Continent(MC), the equatorial central-eastern Pacific(CEP), and the tropical Atlantic Ocean(TAO) regions play a comparably significant role in the interannual variation of the SCSSM intensity, compared to the tropical SST dependent on the preceding winter ENSO. The ENSO-independent SST anomalies(SSTA) in the TAO during spring and summer exhibit significant persistence. They can influence the SCSSM through westward propagation of teleconnection, as well as through eastward-propagating Kelvin waves. In summer, the SSTA in the MC, CEP, and TAO regions contribute jointly to the variability of the SCSSM. The MC SSTA affects local convection and generates anomalous meridional circulation to impact the SCSSM intensity. The CEP SSTA directly influences the SCSSM via the Matsuno-Gill response mechanism and indirectly affects it via meridional circulation by modulating vertical motions over the MC through zonal circulation. The TAO SSTA impacts the SCSSM through both westward and eastward pathways, as well as by influencing zonal circulation patterns in the tropical and subtropical North Pacific. The results offer valuable insights into the factors influencing the interannual variability of the SCSSM intensity.展开更多
The vertically averaged temperature (TAV) from surface to 100 m depth of the South China Sea for the period 1959-1988 is analyzed. The results indicate that there is a significant long-term variability from interannua...The vertically averaged temperature (TAV) from surface to 100 m depth of the South China Sea for the period 1959-1988 is analyzed. The results indicate that there is a significant long-term variability from interannual to interdecadal scales in the heat content in the upper ocean. The heat content of the upper ocean of the South China Sea increases evidently in the El Nino year. TAV anomaly in the ocean was negative from the end of 1950's to early 1970's, and then changed to positive. The changes of TAV of the ocean are closely related to ENSO events, the Asian winter monsoon and the tropical atmospheric circulation anomalies.展开更多
The interannual and interdecadal variations of moisture sinks over Guangdong are discussed with the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and observed precipitation data from 1958 to 2004. The results indicate that climatically, ...The interannual and interdecadal variations of moisture sinks over Guangdong are discussed with the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and observed precipitation data from 1958 to 2004. The results indicate that climatically, the amount of precipitation is larger than that of evaporation in spring and summer. Precipitation and evaporation almost balance each other in autumn and the amount of evaporation is larger than that of precipitation in winter. The interannual signal dominates the variations of moisture sinks in all seasons in Guangdong with a period of three-year oscillation in autumn and winter. Remarkable interdecadal signal characterized by a period of three-decade oscillation can be identified for winter and spring from seasonally averaged moisture sink data and from annually moisture data, with variance percentage larger than 40%. This result indicates that Guangdong is at a transitional stage from positive anomalies to negative anomalies. The moisture sink anomalies in winter and following spring over Guangdong are usually in-phase. Besides, there exist periodic oscillations with periods of 10 to 15 years in summer and autumn. The positive (negative) anomalies of moisture sinks over Guangdong are due to the intensified (weakened) moisture from the tropical areas being transported to the Southern China, accompanied by an intensified (weakened) moisture convergence.展开更多
This study reveals that the interannual variability of the western edge of the western North Pacific(WNP)subtropical high(WNPSH)in early summer experienced an interdecadal decrease around 1990.Correspondingly,the zona...This study reveals that the interannual variability of the western edge of the western North Pacific(WNP)subtropical high(WNPSH)in early summer experienced an interdecadal decrease around 1990.Correspondingly,the zonal movement of the WNPSH and the zonal extension of the high-pressure anomaly over the WNP(WNPHA)in abnormal years possess smaller ranges after 1990.The different influences of the tropical SSTAs are important for this interdecadal change,which exhibit slow El Nino decaying pattern before 1990 while rapid transformation from El Nino to La Nina after 1990.The early summer tropical SSTAs and the relevant atmospheric circulation anomalies present obvious interdecadal differences.Before 1990,the warm SSTAs over the northern Indian Ocean and southern South China Sea favor the WNPHA through eastward-propagating Kelvin wave and meridional-vertical circulation,respectively.Meanwhile,the warm SSTA over the tropical central Pacific induces anomalous ascent to its northwest through the Gill response,which could strengthen the anomalous descent over the WNP through meridional-vertical circulation and further favor the eastward extension of the WNPHA to central Pacific.After 1990,the warm SSTAs over the Maritime Continent and northern Indian Ocean cause the WNPHA through meridional-vertical and zonal-vertical circulation,respectively.Overall,the anomalous warm SSTs and ascent and the resultant anomalous descent over the WNP are located more westward and southward after 1990 than before 1990.Consequently,the WNPHA features narrower zonal range and less eastward extension after 1990,corresponding to the interdecadal decease in the interannual variability of the western edge of the WNPSH.On the other hand,the dominant oscillation period of ENSO experienced an interdecadal reduction around 1990,contributing to the change of the El Nino SSTA associated with the anomalous WNPSH from slow decaying type to rapid transformation type.展开更多
In this paper, results from a pilot study for the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment are reported. Based on analyses of 9 years of pentad and monthly mean data, the climatology of subseasonal features and interannual ...In this paper, results from a pilot study for the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment are reported. Based on analyses of 9 years of pentad and monthly mean data, the climatology of subseasonal features and interannual variability of the Southeast Asian monsoon (SEAM) are documented. The present analysis is focused on the sudden onset of the South China Sea monsoon and its relation to the atmospheric and oceanic processes on the entire Asian monsoon region. \ \ It is found that the onset of the SEAM occurs around mid-May, signaling the earliest stage of the entire Asian summer monsoon system. The establishment of monsoon rainfall over the South China Sea is abrupt, being accompanied by substantial changes in the large scale atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature in the adjacent oceans. The onset and fluctuations of SEAM involve the interaction and metamorphosis of the large scale convection over the Indo-China, the South China Sea and the southern Bay of Bengal. Results show that the onset time of the SEAM differs greatly from one year to another. The delayed (advanced) onset of the monsoon may be related to basin-wide warm (cold) events of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. We also present evidence showing that the SEAM fluctuations in May may foreshadow the development of the full-scale Asian summer monsoon during the subsequent months.展开更多
Based on the NCEP/ NCAR reanalysis data the interannual variability of the East Asian winter mon-soon (EAWM) is studied with a newly defined EAWM intensity index. The marked features for a strong (weak) winter monsoon...Based on the NCEP/ NCAR reanalysis data the interannual variability of the East Asian winter mon-soon (EAWM) is studied with a newly defined EAWM intensity index. The marked features for a strong (weak) winter monsoon include strong (weak) northerly winds along coastal East Asia, cold (warm) East Asian continent and surrounding sea and warm (cold) ocean from the subtropical central Pacific to the trop-ical western Pacific, high (low) pressure in East Asian continent and low (high) pressure in the adjacent ocean and deep (weak) East Asian trough at 500 hPa. These interannual variations are shown to be closely connected to the SST anomaly in the tropical Pacific, both in the western and eastern Pacific. The results suggest that the strength of the EAWM is mainly influenced by the processes associated with the SST anom-aly over the tropical Pacific. The EAWM generally becomes weak when there is a positive SST anomaly in the tropical eastern Pacific (El Ni?o), and it becomes strong when there is a negative SST anomaly (La Ni?a). Moreover, the SST anomaly in the South China Sea is found to be closely related to the EAWM and may persist to the following summer. Both the circulation at 850 hPa and the rainfall in China confirm the connection between the EAWM and the following East Asian summer monsoon. The possible reason for the recent 1998 summer flood in China is briefly discussed too. Key words East Asian winter monsoon - Interannual variability - SST - Summer monsoon This study was supported by “ National Key Programme for Developing Basic Sciences” G1998040900 part 1, and by key project (KZ 952-S1-404) of Chinese Academy of Sciences.展开更多
Reconstruction of a homogeneous temperature and precipitation series for China is crucial for a proper understanding of climate change over China. The annual mean temperature anomaly series of ten regions are found fr...Reconstruction of a homogeneous temperature and precipitation series for China is crucial for a proper understanding of climate change over China. The annual mean temperature anomaly series of ten regions are found from 1880 to 2002. Positive anomalies over China during the 1920s and 1940s are noticeable. The linear trend for the period of 1880-2002 is 0.58℃(100a)-1, which is a little less than the global mean (0.60℃ (100a)-1). 1998 was the warmest year in China since 1880, which is in agreement with the estimation of the global mean temperature. The mean precipitation on a national scale depends mainly on the precipitation over East China. Variations of precipitation in West China show some characteristics which are independent of those in the east. However, the 1920s was the driest decade not only for the east, but also for eastern West China during the last 120 years. The most severe drought on a national scale occurred in 1928. Severe droughts also occurred in 1920, 1922, 1926, and 1929 in North China. It is noticeable that precipitation over East China was generally above normai in the 1950s and 1990s; severe floods along the Yangtze River in 1954, 1991, and 1998 only occurred in these two wet decades. An increasing trend in precipitation variations is observed during the second half of the 20th century in West China, but a similar trend is not found in East China, where the 20- to 40-year periodicities are predominant in the precipitation variations.展开更多
Using the latest daily observational rainfall datasets for the period 1961–2008, the present study investigates the interannual variability of June–September (JJAS) mean rainfall in northern China. The regional ch...Using the latest daily observational rainfall datasets for the period 1961–2008, the present study investigates the interannual variability of June–September (JJAS) mean rainfall in northern China. The regional characteristics of JJAS mean rainfall are revealed by a rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) analysis. The analysis identifies three regions of large interannual variability of JJAS rainfall: North China (NC), Northeast China (NEC), and the Taklimakan Desert in Northwest China (TDNWC). Summer rainfall over NC is shown to have displayed a remarkable dry period from the late 1990s; while over NEC, decadal-scale variation with a significant decreasing trend in the last two decades is found, and over TDNWC, evidence of large interannual variability is revealed. Results also show that the interannual variability of JJAS rainfall in northern China is closely associated with the Northern Hemisphere circumglobal teleconnection (CGT). Correlation coefficients between the CGT index and regional-averaged JJAS mean rainfall over NC and NEC were calculated, revealing values of up to 0.50 and 0.53, respectively, both of which exceeded the 99% confidence level.展开更多
基金the Key Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nos. KZCX2-SW-317and KZCX3-SW-226).
文摘The seasonal mean atmospheric precipitable water and water vapor transport over the Haihe River Basin (HRB) in North China with a focus on their interannual to interdecadal variability, and then the relationships of the interannual and interdecadal variability of the water cycle over the HRB to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and E1 Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena were investigated using the observational and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data. There was a strong interdecadal variability for the water cycle (such as precipitation and water vapor transport) over the region, with an abrupt change occurring mostly in the mid 1970s. The intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon largely affected the atmospheric water vapor transport. Generally, the net meridional convergence of the water vapor flux over the region was relatively large before 1965, and it declined gradually from then on with a further notable decrease since mid 1970s. Zonal water vapor transport was similar to meridional, but with a much smaller magnitude and no noteworthy turning in the mid 1970s. Results also suggested that the wind field played an important role in the water vapor transport over the HRB before the mid 1960s, and the interdecadal variability of the water cycle (precipitation, water vapor transport, etc.) in the summer was related to the PDO; however, interannual variation of the water vapor transport could also be related to the ENSO phenomena.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA05110203)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41305063 and 41320104007)
文摘The intensity of summer precipitation interannual variability is strongest over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Valley(MLYRV). The variability is larger than 1.5 mm d–1 and up to 35%–40% of the climatological mean summer precipitation. The relationship between the interdecadal change in the intensity of summer precipitation and its interannual variability over this area is investigated, by analyzing five gauged and re-constructed precipitation datasets. The relationship is found to be very weak over the MLYRV, with a correlation coefficient of only approximately 0.10. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation influences the western North Pacific subtropical high, which is responsible for the interdecadal change in summer precipitation over the MLYRV. However, the precipitation interannual variability is closely related to the ENSO events in the preceding winter due to its impact on the meridional displacement of the East Asian westerly jet. Different physical mechanisms cause different interdecadal variation in the intensity of summer precipitation and its interannual variability, and thus result in a poor relationship.
文摘A global atmospheric general circulation model (L9R15 AGCMs) forced by COADS SST was integrated from 1945 to 1993. Interannual and interdecadal variability of the simulated surface wind over the tropical Pacific was analyzed and shown to agree vey well with observation. Simulation of surface wind over the central-western equatorial Pacific was more successful than that over the eastern Pacific. Zonal propagating feature of interannual variability of the tropical Pacific wind anomalies and its decadal difference were also simulated successfully. The close agreement between simulation and observation on the existence of obvious interdecadal variability of tropical Pacific surface wind attested to the high simulation capability of AGCM.
基金Supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX2-YW-Q11-02)
文摘A key component of the East Asian climate system is seasonally varying monsoon wind. Its interannual and interdecadal variability, as we1l as underlying oceanic processes, is the subject of a recent project completed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A series of research progress in the areas of monsoon winds, ocean responses, upwelling and productivity has been made and reviewed by this paper.
基金Program of National Science Foundation of China(42175018,42088101)Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Studies(2020B1212060025)。
文摘The interdecadal change in the interannual variability of the South China Sea summer monsoon(SCSSM)intensity and its mechanism are investigated in this study.The interannual variability of the low-level circulation of the SCSSM has experienced a significant interdecadal enhancement around the end of the 1980s,which may be attributed to the interdecadal changes in the evolution of the tropical Indo-Pacific sea surface temperature(SST)anomalies and their impacts on the SCSSM.From 1961 to 1989,the low-level circulation over the South China Sea is primarily affected by the SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean via the mechanism of Kelvin-wave-induced Ekman divergence.While in 1990 to 2020,the impacts of the summer SST anomalies in the Maritime Continent and the equatorial central to eastern Pacific on the SCSSM are enhanced,via anomalous meridional circulation and Mastuno-Gill type Rossby wave atmospheric response,respectively.The above interdecadal changes are closely associated with the interdecadal changes in the evolution of El Niño–Southern Oscillation(ENSO)events.The interdecadal variation of the summer SST anomalies in the developing and decaying phases of ENSO events enhances the influence of the tropical Indo-Pacific SST on the SCSSM,resulting in the interdecadal change in the interannual variability of the SCSSM.
基金The Fund of Laoshan Laboratory under contract No.LSKJ202202700the Basic Scientific Fund for National Public Research Institutes of China under contract No.2024Q02+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 42076023 and 42430402the Global Change and Air-Sea InteractionⅡProject under contract No.GASI-01-ATP-STwin.
文摘The Indonesian Throughflow(ITF)plays important roles in global ocean circulation and climate systems.Previous studies suggested the ITF interannual variability is driven by both the El Niño-Southern Oscillation(ENSO)and the Indian Ocean Dipole(IOD)events.The detailed processes of ENSO and/or IOD induced anomalies impacting on the ITF,however,are still not clear.In this study,this issue is investigated through causal relation,statistical,and dynamical analyses based on satellite observation.The results show that the driven mechanisms of ENSO on the ITF include two aspects.Firstly,the ENSO related wind field anomalies driven anomalous cyclonic ocean circulation in the western Pacific,and off equatorial upwelling Rossby waves propagating westward to arrive at the western boundary of the Pacific,both tend to induce negative sea surface height anomalies(SSHA)in the western Pacific,favoring ITF reduction since the develop of the El Niño through the following year.Secondly,the ENSO events modulate equatorial Indian Ocean zonal winds through Walker Circulation,which in turn trigger eastward propagating upwelling Kelvin waves and westward propagating downwelling Rossby waves.The Rossby waves are reflected into downwelling Kelvin waves,which then propagate eastward along the equator and the Sumatra-Java coast in the Indian Ocean.As a result,the wave dynamics tend to generate negative(positive)SSHA in the eastern Indian Ocean,and thus enhance(reduce)the ITF transport with time lag of 0-6 months(9-12 months),respectively.Under the IOD condition,the wave dynamics also tend to enhance the ITF in the positive IOD year,and reduce the ITF in the following year.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 42088101]。
文摘During the boreal summer,intraseasonal oscillations exhibit significant interannual variations in intensity over two key regions:the central-western equatorial Pacific(5°S-5°N,150°E-150°W)and the subtropical Northwestern Pacific(10°-20°N,130°E-175°W).The former is well-documented and considered to be influenced by the ENSO,while the latter has received comparatively less attention and is likely influenced by the Pacific Meridional Mode(PMM),as suggested by partial correlation analysis results.To elucidate the physical processes responsible for the enhanced(weakened)intraseasonal convection over the subtropical northwestern Pacific during warm(cold)PMM years,the authors employed a moisture budget analysis.The findings reveal that during warm PMM years,there is an increase in summer-mean moisture over the subtropical northwestern Pacific.This increase interacts with intensified vertical motion perturbations in the region,leading to greater vertical moisture advection in the lower troposphere and consequently resulting in convective instability.Such a process is pivotal in amplifying intraseasonal convection anomalies.The observational findings were further verified by model experiments forced by PMM-like sea surface temperature patterns.
基金supported by the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program) under Grant Nos. 2009CB421406 and 2010CB950304Chinese Academy of Sciences under Grant No. KZCX2-YW-Q1-02the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 40875048 and 40821092
文摘The climatological characteristics and interdecadal variability of the water vapor transport and budget over the Yellow River-Huaihe River valleys (YH1) and the Yangtze River-Huaihe River valleys (YH2) of East China were investigated in this study,using the NCEP/NCAR monthly mean reanalysis datasets from 1979 to 2009.Changes in the water vapor transport pattern occurred during the late 1990s over YH1 (YH2) that corresponded with the recent interdecadal changes in the eastern China summer precipitation pattern.The net moisture influx in the YH1 increased and the net moisture influx in the YH2 decreased during 2000-2009 in comparison to 1979-1999.Detailed features in the moisture flux and transport changes across the four boundaries were explored.The altered water vapor transport over the two domains can be principally attributed to the additive effects of the changes in the confluent southwesterly moisture flow by the Indian summer monsoon and East Asian summer monsoon (related with the eastward recession of the western Pacific subtropical high).The altered water vapor transport over YH1 was also partly caused by the weakened midlatitude westerlies.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(41375065)National Natural Science Foundation of China(41461164005,41230527)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFA0600603)
文摘In this paper, we mainly summarize and review the progresses in recent climatological studies(by CMSR,IAP/CAS and some associated domestic and international institutions) on the interannual and interdecadal variabilities of monsoon troughs and their impacts on tropical cyclones and typhoons(TCs) geneses over the western North Pacific Ocean. The climatological characteristics of monsoon troughs and four types of circulation patterns favorable to TCs genesis over the western North Pacific Ocean in summer and autumn are given in this paper. It is also shown in this paper that the monsoon trough over the western North Pacific Ocean has obvious interannual and interdecadal variabilities. Especially, it is revealed in this paper that the interannual and interdecadal variabilities of the monsoon trough over the western North Pacific Ocean influence the TCs genesis not only through the impact on distributions of the vorticity in the lower troposphere and the divergence in the upper troposphere, the water vapor in the mid-and lower troposphere and the vertical shear of wind fields between the upper and lower troposphere over the western North Pacific Ocean, but also through the dynamical effects of the transition between convectively coupled tropical waves and providing disturbance energy. Besides, some climatological problems associated with TCs activity over the western North Pacific Ocean that need to be studied further are also pointed out in this paper.
基金jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42422502,42275038)the China Meteorological Administration Climate Change Special Program(Grant No.QBZ202306)。
文摘Extensive flooding swept across large areas of Central Asia,mainly over Kazakhstan and southwestern Russia,from late March to April 2024.It was reported to be the worst flooding in the area in the past 70 years and caused widespread devastation to society and infrastructure.However,the drivers of this record-breaking flood remain unexplored.Here,we show that the record-breaking floods were contributed by both long-term climate warming and interannual variability,with multiple climatic drivers at play across the synoptic to seasonal timescales.First,the heavy snowmelt in March 2024 was associated with above-normal preceding winter snow accumulation.Second,extreme rainfall was at a record-high during March 2024,in line with its increasing trend under climate warming.Third,the snowmelt and extreme rainfall in March were compounded by record-high soil moisture conditions in the preceding winter,which was a result of interannual variability and related to excessive winter rainfall over Central Asia.As climate warming continues,the interplay between the increasing trend of extreme rainfall,interannual variations in soil moisture pre-conditions,as well as shifting timing and magnitudes of spring snowmelt,will further increase and complicate spring flooding risks.This is a growing and widespread challenge for the mid-to high-latitude regions.
基金Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research(2020B0301030004)National Natural Science Foundation of China(41875114)Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality,China(23DZ1204703)。
文摘The rapid intensification(RI)magnitude of tropical cyclones(TCs)over the western North Pacific(WNP)exhibits significant interannual variability and is influenced by multiple factors across various scales.These factors primarily include:interannual factors—sea surface temperature(SST)in key regions of the WNP,eastern Indian Ocean SST,El Niño-Southern Oscillation(ENSO),South Pacific Subtropical Dipole(SPSD),and western Pacific teleconnection;decadal factors—Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO)and Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO);and longer-term factor—global warming.This study systematically analyzes these factors and their potential impacts,quantitatively assessing their relative importance.A statistical prediction model for the WNP TC-RI magnitude is developed based on ridge regression methods.The results indicate that the influence of these factors on the RI magnitude is closely related to the large-scale thermodynamic and dynamic conditions.Among them,the SPSD plays the most critical role in the interannual variability of the RI magnitude,followed by global warming and the AMO.Further analysis reveals that the statistical prediction model based on multiple factors demonstrates good predictive skill for the interannual variability of the TC RI magnitude.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42425504).
文摘The change in interannual precipitation variability(P_(IAV)),especially the part driven by El Niño–Southern Oscillation over the Pacific,has sparked worldwide concern.However,it is plagued by substantial uncertainty,such as model uncertainty,internal variability,and scenario uncertainty.Single-model initial-condition large ensembles(SMILEs)and a polynomial fitting method were suggested to separate these uncertainty sources.However,the applicability of a widely used polynomial fitting method in the uncertainty separation of P_(IAV)projection remains unknown.This study compares three sources of uncertainty estimated from five SMILEs and 28 models with one ensemble member in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project(CMIP6).Results show that the internal uncertainty based on models with one ensemble member calculated using the polynomial fitting method is significantly underestimated compared to SMILEs.However,internal variability in CMIP6 as represented in the pre-industrial control run,aligns closely with SMILEs.At 1.5°C warming above the preindustrial level,internal variability dominates globally,masking the externally forced P_(IAV)signal.At 2.0°C warming,both internal and model uncertainties are significant over regions like Central Africa,the equatorial Indian Ocean,the Maritime Continent,and the Arctic,while internal variability still dominates elsewhere.In some regions,the forced signal becomes distinguishable from internal variability.This study reveals the limitations of the polynomial fitting method in separating P_(IAV)projection uncertainties and emphasizes the importance of SMILEs for accurately quantifying uncertainty sources.It also suggests that improving the intermodel agreement at warming levels of 1.5°C and 2.0°C will not substantially reduce uncertainty in most regions.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(42175018, 42175020)Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province (2023B1212060019)+1 种基金Innovation Group Project of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai)(311024001)Project supported by Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai)(SML2023SP209)。
文摘This study explores the impact of the tropical sea surface temperature(SST) independent of the preceding winter El Nino–Southern Oscillation(ENSO) events(ENSO-independent SST) on the interannual variability of the South China Sea Summer Monsoon(SCSSM) and the associated mechanisms. During summer, the ENSO-independent SST component dominates across tropical ocean regions. The tropical ENSO-independent SSTs during spring and summer in the Maritime Continent(MC), the equatorial central-eastern Pacific(CEP), and the tropical Atlantic Ocean(TAO) regions play a comparably significant role in the interannual variation of the SCSSM intensity, compared to the tropical SST dependent on the preceding winter ENSO. The ENSO-independent SST anomalies(SSTA) in the TAO during spring and summer exhibit significant persistence. They can influence the SCSSM through westward propagation of teleconnection, as well as through eastward-propagating Kelvin waves. In summer, the SSTA in the MC, CEP, and TAO regions contribute jointly to the variability of the SCSSM. The MC SSTA affects local convection and generates anomalous meridional circulation to impact the SCSSM intensity. The CEP SSTA directly influences the SCSSM via the Matsuno-Gill response mechanism and indirectly affects it via meridional circulation by modulating vertical motions over the MC through zonal circulation. The TAO SSTA impacts the SCSSM through both westward and eastward pathways, as well as by influencing zonal circulation patterns in the tropical and subtropical North Pacific. The results offer valuable insights into the factors influencing the interannual variability of the SCSSM intensity.
文摘The vertically averaged temperature (TAV) from surface to 100 m depth of the South China Sea for the period 1959-1988 is analyzed. The results indicate that there is a significant long-term variability from interannual to interdecadal scales in the heat content in the upper ocean. The heat content of the upper ocean of the South China Sea increases evidently in the El Nino year. TAV anomaly in the ocean was negative from the end of 1950's to early 1970's, and then changed to positive. The changes of TAV of the ocean are closely related to ENSO events, the Asian winter monsoon and the tropical atmospheric circulation anomalies.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (05003339)
文摘The interannual and interdecadal variations of moisture sinks over Guangdong are discussed with the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and observed precipitation data from 1958 to 2004. The results indicate that climatically, the amount of precipitation is larger than that of evaporation in spring and summer. Precipitation and evaporation almost balance each other in autumn and the amount of evaporation is larger than that of precipitation in winter. The interannual signal dominates the variations of moisture sinks in all seasons in Guangdong with a period of three-year oscillation in autumn and winter. Remarkable interdecadal signal characterized by a period of three-decade oscillation can be identified for winter and spring from seasonally averaged moisture sink data and from annually moisture data, with variance percentage larger than 40%. This result indicates that Guangdong is at a transitional stage from positive anomalies to negative anomalies. The moisture sink anomalies in winter and following spring over Guangdong are usually in-phase. Besides, there exist periodic oscillations with periods of 10 to 15 years in summer and autumn. The positive (negative) anomalies of moisture sinks over Guangdong are due to the intensified (weakened) moisture from the tropical areas being transported to the Southern China, accompanied by an intensified (weakened) moisture convergence.
基金National Key R&D Program of China(2016YFA0600601)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2020A1515011572)Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Studies(2020B1212060025)。
文摘This study reveals that the interannual variability of the western edge of the western North Pacific(WNP)subtropical high(WNPSH)in early summer experienced an interdecadal decrease around 1990.Correspondingly,the zonal movement of the WNPSH and the zonal extension of the high-pressure anomaly over the WNP(WNPHA)in abnormal years possess smaller ranges after 1990.The different influences of the tropical SSTAs are important for this interdecadal change,which exhibit slow El Nino decaying pattern before 1990 while rapid transformation from El Nino to La Nina after 1990.The early summer tropical SSTAs and the relevant atmospheric circulation anomalies present obvious interdecadal differences.Before 1990,the warm SSTAs over the northern Indian Ocean and southern South China Sea favor the WNPHA through eastward-propagating Kelvin wave and meridional-vertical circulation,respectively.Meanwhile,the warm SSTA over the tropical central Pacific induces anomalous ascent to its northwest through the Gill response,which could strengthen the anomalous descent over the WNP through meridional-vertical circulation and further favor the eastward extension of the WNPHA to central Pacific.After 1990,the warm SSTAs over the Maritime Continent and northern Indian Ocean cause the WNPHA through meridional-vertical and zonal-vertical circulation,respectively.Overall,the anomalous warm SSTs and ascent and the resultant anomalous descent over the WNP are located more westward and southward after 1990 than before 1990.Consequently,the WNPHA features narrower zonal range and less eastward extension after 1990,corresponding to the interdecadal decease in the interannual variability of the western edge of the WNPSH.On the other hand,the dominant oscillation period of ENSO experienced an interdecadal reduction around 1990,contributing to the change of the El Nino SSTA associated with the anomalous WNPSH from slow decaying type to rapid transformation type.
文摘In this paper, results from a pilot study for the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment are reported. Based on analyses of 9 years of pentad and monthly mean data, the climatology of subseasonal features and interannual variability of the Southeast Asian monsoon (SEAM) are documented. The present analysis is focused on the sudden onset of the South China Sea monsoon and its relation to the atmospheric and oceanic processes on the entire Asian monsoon region. \ \ It is found that the onset of the SEAM occurs around mid-May, signaling the earliest stage of the entire Asian summer monsoon system. The establishment of monsoon rainfall over the South China Sea is abrupt, being accompanied by substantial changes in the large scale atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature in the adjacent oceans. The onset and fluctuations of SEAM involve the interaction and metamorphosis of the large scale convection over the Indo-China, the South China Sea and the southern Bay of Bengal. Results show that the onset time of the SEAM differs greatly from one year to another. The delayed (advanced) onset of the monsoon may be related to basin-wide warm (cold) events of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. We also present evidence showing that the SEAM fluctuations in May may foreshadow the development of the full-scale Asian summer monsoon during the subsequent months.
文摘Based on the NCEP/ NCAR reanalysis data the interannual variability of the East Asian winter mon-soon (EAWM) is studied with a newly defined EAWM intensity index. The marked features for a strong (weak) winter monsoon include strong (weak) northerly winds along coastal East Asia, cold (warm) East Asian continent and surrounding sea and warm (cold) ocean from the subtropical central Pacific to the trop-ical western Pacific, high (low) pressure in East Asian continent and low (high) pressure in the adjacent ocean and deep (weak) East Asian trough at 500 hPa. These interannual variations are shown to be closely connected to the SST anomaly in the tropical Pacific, both in the western and eastern Pacific. The results suggest that the strength of the EAWM is mainly influenced by the processes associated with the SST anom-aly over the tropical Pacific. The EAWM generally becomes weak when there is a positive SST anomaly in the tropical eastern Pacific (El Ni?o), and it becomes strong when there is a negative SST anomaly (La Ni?a). Moreover, the SST anomaly in the South China Sea is found to be closely related to the EAWM and may persist to the following summer. Both the circulation at 850 hPa and the rainfall in China confirm the connection between the EAWM and the following East Asian summer monsoon. The possible reason for the recent 1998 summer flood in China is briefly discussed too. Key words East Asian winter monsoon - Interannual variability - SST - Summer monsoon This study was supported by “ National Key Programme for Developing Basic Sciences” G1998040900 part 1, and by key project (KZ 952-S1-404) of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
基金supported by the China National Key Programme for Developing Basic Sciences(G1998040900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.40205011)
文摘Reconstruction of a homogeneous temperature and precipitation series for China is crucial for a proper understanding of climate change over China. The annual mean temperature anomaly series of ten regions are found from 1880 to 2002. Positive anomalies over China during the 1920s and 1940s are noticeable. The linear trend for the period of 1880-2002 is 0.58℃(100a)-1, which is a little less than the global mean (0.60℃ (100a)-1). 1998 was the warmest year in China since 1880, which is in agreement with the estimation of the global mean temperature. The mean precipitation on a national scale depends mainly on the precipitation over East China. Variations of precipitation in West China show some characteristics which are independent of those in the east. However, the 1920s was the driest decade not only for the east, but also for eastern West China during the last 120 years. The most severe drought on a national scale occurred in 1928. Severe droughts also occurred in 1920, 1922, 1926, and 1929 in North China. It is noticeable that precipitation over East China was generally above normai in the 1950s and 1990s; severe floods along the Yangtze River in 1954, 1991, and 1998 only occurred in these two wet decades. An increasing trend in precipitation variations is observed during the second half of the 20th century in West China, but a similar trend is not found in East China, where the 20- to 40-year periodicities are predominant in the precipitation variations.
基金supported by the CAS Innovation Key Program (Grant No. KZCX2-YW-BR-14)National Basic Research Program of China (2011CB309704)+1 种基金Special Scientific Research Project for Public Interest (GrantNo. GYHY201006021)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40890155, 40775051,U0733002)
文摘Using the latest daily observational rainfall datasets for the period 1961–2008, the present study investigates the interannual variability of June–September (JJAS) mean rainfall in northern China. The regional characteristics of JJAS mean rainfall are revealed by a rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) analysis. The analysis identifies three regions of large interannual variability of JJAS rainfall: North China (NC), Northeast China (NEC), and the Taklimakan Desert in Northwest China (TDNWC). Summer rainfall over NC is shown to have displayed a remarkable dry period from the late 1990s; while over NEC, decadal-scale variation with a significant decreasing trend in the last two decades is found, and over TDNWC, evidence of large interannual variability is revealed. Results also show that the interannual variability of JJAS rainfall in northern China is closely associated with the Northern Hemisphere circumglobal teleconnection (CGT). Correlation coefficients between the CGT index and regional-averaged JJAS mean rainfall over NC and NEC were calculated, revealing values of up to 0.50 and 0.53, respectively, both of which exceeded the 99% confidence level.