What controls the interannual variation of Hadley cell extent in the Northern Hemisphere: physical mechanism and empirical model for edge variation

Seo, Kyong-Hwan; Yoon, Sang-Pil; Lu, Jian; Hu, Yongyun; Staten, Paul W.; Frierson, Dargan M. W.

doi:10.1038/s41612-023-00533-w

Title: What controls the interannual variation of Hadley cell extent in the Northern Hemisphere: physical mechanism and empirical model for edge variation

Journal Article · Thu Dec 07 00:00:00 EST 2023 · npj Climate and Atmospheric Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-023-00533-w· OSTI ID:2229013

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Abstract The Hadley circulation is the most prominent atmospheric meridional circulation, reducing the radiatively driven equator-to-pole temperature gradient. While the Hadley cell extent varies by several degrees from year to year, the detailed dynamical mechanisms behind such variations have not been well elucidated. During the expanded phase of the Hadley cell, many regions on the periphery of the subtropics experience unfavorable climatic conditions. In this study, using ERA5 reanalysis data, we examine the physical chain of events responsible for the interannual variation of the Hadley cell edge (HCE) latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. This variation is mainly caused by changing eddy activity and wave breaking from both stationary and transient waves. In particular, we show that transient waves cause the HCE to shift poleward by increasing the eddy momentum flux divergence (EMFD) and reducing the baroclinicity over 20°–40°N, shifting the region of peak baroclinicity poleward. El Niño/La Niña and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) account for a significant portion (60%) of the interannual fluctuation of the HCE latitude. Through the poleward displacement of eddy activity, La Niña and a positive AO state are associated with the poleward shift of the HCE. The analysis of 28 CMIP5 models reveals statistical relationships between EMFD, vertical shear, and HCE latitude similar to those observed.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RLO1830

OSTI ID:: 2229013

Journal Information:: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, Journal Name: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science Vol. 6 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 2397-3722

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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