Role of the South China Sea in Southern China rainfall: meridional moisture flux transport

Abstract

The South China Sea (SCS) serves as the main source of moisture for rainfall in Southern China (SC) and the meridional moisture transport to SC is dominated by wind changes during the first rainy season (April–June). El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Tropical Northwestern Pacific (TNWP) variability modulate the SC rainfall through anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the western North Pacific by strengthening the SCS meridional moisture transport to SC. However, our study indicates that the SCS is not only the intermediary in which ENSO or the TNWP affects the SC rainfall but also plays an independent role in the modulation of the SC rainfall. Notably, the SCS meridional moisture transport has a lower impact on the SC rainfall during the second rainy season (July–September), especially in July. At that time, the main cause of the SC rainfall is the southward moisture flux anomaly across its northern boundary with the anomalous cyclone over SC. This cyclone suppresses the moisture flux out of SC and leads to moisture convergence in SC. Moreover, we present a new concept by analyzing internal differences of moisture circulation during the second rainy season. Either strengthening the meridional moisture flux into SC across its southern boundary or suppressing the moisture flux out of SC across its northern boundary is important depending on whether or not the moisture from the SCS can converge in SC, which is mainly determined by the amplitude of moisture transport fluxes in SC.