Optimal Meridional Positions of the Tibetan Plateau for Intensifying the Asian Summer Monsoon

Abstract

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) exerts significant influences on the earth’s climate, and it is commonly accepted that the plateau enhances the intensity of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM). However, since the TP is located in the subtropics and its climate responses consist of both tropical and extratropical characteristics, a naturally-asked question is: how would the TP affect the ASM if it is shifted to different latitudes? A series of experiments with a state-of-the-art earth system model demonstrate that the current location of the TP is not optimal for intensifying the ASM. When the TP is moved southward, the tropical South Asian monsoon (SAM) intensifies, associated with strengthened thermally-driven atmospheric circulation, while the subtropical East Asian monsoon (EAM) weakens. When the TP is located in the higher-than-current latitudes, on the other hand, the SAM weakens and the EAM intensifies. In particular, when the TP shifts northward by 8° of latitudes, the Asian continent witnesses the heaviest summer monsoon rainfall. Changes in the meridional location of the plateau cause substantial differences in atmospheric circulation and water vapor transport, and thus in monsoon rainfall.

Provenance of Aeolian Dust Revealed by (234U/238U) Activity Ratios in Cryoconites From High‐Altitude Glaciers in Western China and Its Transport and Settlement Mechanisms

“…converges into the plateau under the action of this “dynamic pump” effect (Ge et al., 2014; Liu et al., 2022; A. Q. Wang et al., 2022; J. B. Wang et al., 2022; Wu et al., 2007). In addition, the contribution of dust from the Thar Desert in South Asia cannot be thoroughly excluded (Figure 7) but cannot be relevant due to the blocking effect played by the Himalayas (Ginoux et al., 2012; Tiwari et al., 2019; J.…”

“…In addition, the contribution of dust from the Thar Desert in South Asia cannot be thoroughly excluded (Figure 7) but cannot be relevant due to the blocking effect played by the Himalayas (Ginoux et al., 2012; Tiwari et al., 2019; J. B. Wang, et al., 2022).…”

“…Dust is a key component of the climate system exerting a significant influence through different mechanisms involving radiative transfer processes, cloud formation and precipitation, and effects on global biogeochemical cycles (Harrison et al., 2001; Jickells et al., 2005; Uno et al., 2009; A. Q. Wang et al., 2022; J. B. Wang et al., 2022). Moreover, dust also plays an important role in human living environment and health (Anenberg et al., 2014; Q. Zhang et al., 2017).…”

Potential Impacts of Winter Arctic Sea Ice on Subsequent Spring Thermal Condition Over the Tibetan Plateau

“…The Tibetan Plateau (TP) possesses the highest elevation and covers the largest land region among all plateaus on the Earth (Fallah et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2020; Yanai & Wu, 2006; Ye & Wu, 1998). Owing to the distinctive geographical location and climate condition, the TP can exert combined effects on both tropical and subtropical zones and result in the formation of very complicated climate patterns (Lu et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2019, 2022; Wang & Zhao, 2022). Plentiful studies elucidated that the TP plays vital roles in modulating climate variabilities across the globe through the mechanical effect and thermal forcing (Duan & Wu, 2008; Son et al., 2020; Wen et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2022, 2023).…”