Effects of the East Asian summer monsoon on tropical cyclone genesis over the South China Sea on an interdecadal time scale

Tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the South China Sea (SCS) during 1965–2004 was analyzed. The locations of TC genesis display evident seasonal changes, with the mean position of formation situated north of 15°N in summer (June-July-August) and south of 15°N in autumn (September-October-November). The TC genesis in summer underwent dramatic interdecadal variations, with more and less TC frequency during 1965–1974/1995–2004 and 1979–1993, respectively. In contrast, a significant interannual variation of TC genesis with a period of ∼4 years was observed in autumn.This study investigated the relationship of SCS TC genesis to the East Asian jet stream (EAJS) and the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) on an interdecadal time scale. Analysis and comparison of the impacts of the EAJS and the WNPSH on vertical wind shear changes indicate that changes in the WNPSH and EAJS intensity rather than EAJS meridional location are responsible for changes in TC genesis on an interdecadal time scale. Corresponding to a weaker EAJS, anomalous Rossby wave energy at upper levels displays equatorward propagation at midlatitudes and poleward propagation in the subtropics. This induces anomalous convergence and divergence of wave activity fluxes in East Asia around 30°N and the SCS, respectively. The anomalous divergence of wave activity fluxes reduces easterlies at upper levels over the SCS, which is favorable to TC genesis.

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