Synoptic conditions causing nonmonsoon snowfalls in the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

The characteristics of atmospheric circulations in Asia causing snowfalls over the central Tibetan Plateau (TP) were investigated during the nonmonsoon season. During 1994-2004, a clear pattern of a barotropic pressure anomaly was found over northeast Asia by means of composite analysis. NCEP reanalysis data and METEOSAT images were examined for snowfall events detected by in-situ surface albedo measurements during Nov.-May, 1998/99, and the possible mechanisms causing precipitation in the TP and the influence of mid-latitude large-scale meandering flow were discussed. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.