South Asian summer monsoon precipitation variability: Coupled climate model simulations and projections under IPCC AR4 |
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| Authors: | R H Kripalani J H Oh A Kulkarni S S Sabade H S Chaudhari |
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| Institution: | (1) Integrated Climate System Modeling Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea;(2) Forecasting Research Division, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, India |
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| Abstract: | Summary South Asian summer monsoon precipitation and its variability are examined from the outputs of the coupled climate models assessed
as part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment. Out of the 22 models examined, 19 are able to
capture the maximum rainfall during the summer monsoon period (June through September) with varying amplitude. While two models
are unable to reproduce the annual cycle well, one model is unable to simulate the summer monsoon season. The simulated inter-annual
variability from the 19 models is examined with respect to the mean precipitation, coefficient of variation, long-term trends
and the biennial tendency. The model simulated mean precipitation varies from 500 mm to 900 mm and coefficient of variation
from 3 to 13%. While seven models exhibit long-term trends, eight are able to simulate the biennial nature of the monsoon
rainfall. Six models, which generate the most realistic 20th century monsoon climate over south Asia, are selected to examine
future projections under the doubling CO2 scenario.
Projections reveal a significant increase in mean monsoon precipitation of 8% and a possible extension of the monsoon period
based on the multi-model ensemble technique. Extreme excess and deficient monsoons are projected to intensify. The projected
increase in precipitation could be attributed to the projected intensification of the heat low over northwest India, the trough
of low pressure over the Indo-Gangetic plains, and the land–ocean pressure gradient during the establishment phase of the
monsoon. The intensification of these pressure systems could be attributed to the decline in winter/spring snowfall. Furthermore,
a decrease of winter snowfall over western Eurasia is also projected along with an increase of winter snowfall over Siberia/eastern
Eurasia. This projected dipole snow configuration during winter could imply changes in mid-latitude circulation conducive
to subsequent summer monsoon precipitation activity. An increase in precipitable water of 12–16% is projected over major parts
of India. A maximum increase of about 20–24% is found over the Arabian Peninsula, adjoining regions of Pakistan, northwest
India and Nepal. Although the projected summer monsoon circulation appears to weaken, the projected anomalous flow over the
Bay of Bengal (Arabian Sea) will support oceanic moisture convergence towards the southern parts of India and Sri Lanka (northwest
India and adjoining regions). The ENSO-Monsoon relationship is also projected to weaken. |
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