Articles | Volume 21, issue 12
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9839-2021
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9839-2021
Research article
 | 
01 Jul 2021
Research article |  | 01 Jul 2021

Contributions of equatorial waves and small-scale convective gravity waves to the 2019/20 quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) disruption

Min-Jee Kang and Hye-Yeong Chun

Data sets

MERRA-2 inst3_3d_asm_Nv: 3D, 3-hourly, instantaneous, model-level, assimilation, assimilated meteorological fields, version 5.12.4 GMAO - Global Modeling and Assimilation Office https://doi.org/10.5067/WWQSXQ8IVFW8

Short summary
In winter 2019/20, the westerly quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) phase was disrupted again by easterly winds. It is found that strong Rossby waves from the Southern Hemisphere weaken the jet core in early stages, and strong mixed Rossby–gravity waves reverse the wind in later stages. Inertia–gravity waves and small-scale convective gravity waves also provide negative forcing. These strong waves are attributed to an anomalous wind profile, barotropic instability, and slightly strong convection.
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