Interannual variation of midsummer precipitation in the middle reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River and its possible mechanisms

Abstract

Hydroclimatic process in Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR) plays a critical role in the water cycle of the whole Tibetan Plateau (TP), but there is a lack of understanding about it due to restrictive conditions. In this study, we further investigate the interannual variation characteristics and possible factors of midsummer (July–August) precipitation in the middle reaches of YZR (MYZR) based on the monthly precipitation data from four stations (Lhasa, Xigaze, Tsedang and Gyangze) in the Inner TP and ERA5 reanalysis dataset for the years 1961–2017. The results suggest that precipitation shows no obvious linear trend during the research period but is dominated by interannual oscillation with evident cycles of 3 years. Meanwhile, the interannual variation of precipitation is related to local changes of water vapour budget. The anomalous anticyclones over the Indian Peninsula‐Southeast Asia continuously transport water vapour from the western Pacific, South China Sea and Bay of Bengal (BOB) to the TP. Simultaneously, both the monsoon low and South Asia high in southern TP provide dynamic conditions for the convergence and uplift of water vapour.