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Wavelet analysis of polar vortex variability over the twentieth century
Author(s) -
Glovin Grant M.,
Arbetter Todd E.,
Lynch Amanda H.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-8996
pISSN - 2169-897X
DOI - 10.1002/2014jd022971
Subject(s) - climatology , polar vortex , northern hemisphere , middle latitudes , atmospheric sciences , wavelet , forcing (mathematics) , albedo (alchemy) , environmental science , geology , art , artificial intelligence , performance art , computer science , troposphere , art history
Recent increases in extreme weather events in the Northern Hemisphere have been linked to amplified planetary waves. Changes in planetary wave properties are linked to changes in climate; hence, finding a mechanism that links the planetary wave variability under climatic forcing and midlatitude blocking events has engendered a great deal of interest. In this study, wavelet analysis is applied to time series of planetary wave phase speeds at high latitudes as a first step to assessing the potential for identifying these mechanisms in the observational record. A circumpolar multiannual cycle increase is found but signals also demonstrate a complex westward propagation pattern with periods of intense wave variability. Significant correlations between wavelet power at all time scales and albedo, snow cover, atmospheric ozone levels, and surface air temperature are demonstrated.