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Quasi‐biennial modulation of the wintertime Arctic temperature as revealed by Aura‐MLS measurements
Author(s) -
Xu Xiaoyong,
Manson A. H.,
Meek C. E.,
Drummond J. R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2011gl047075
Subject(s) - stratosphere , polar vortex , microwave limb sounder , mesosphere , northern hemisphere , atmospheric sciences , climatology , arctic oscillation , quasi biennial oscillation , polar , arctic , environmental science , mesopause , geology , physics , oceanography , astronomy
This study investigates the interannual variability of zonal mean temperature in the wintertime Northern Hemisphere stratosphere and mesosphere measured by Aura‐MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder). Results show that the wintertime Arctic temperature is modulated by the phase of the equatorial quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) wind. On the whole, the 40‐hPa QBO easterly phase corresponds to a warmer (colder) northern polar stratosphere (mesosphere) and vice versa. Accordingly, composite differences show that the planetary waves in the winter Arctic stratosphere and lower mesosphere are stronger when the equatorial 40‐hPa QBO in its easterly phase. The presented findings are consistent with the established relationship between the QBO phase and the northern winter polar vortex.