Geographical Distribution and Seasonality of Month-to-Month Correlation of Monthly Mean 700 mb Heights

Abstract

Abstract A description is given of the geographical and seasonal distribution of month-to-month correlation of anomalies in monthly mean 700 mb height. The data base is 33 years (1949?81), covering the area poleward of 20°N. In general, correlations are high (0.3 or more) in low latitudes and low (0.0?0.2) in midlatitudes. The correlation is positive nearly everywhere in all seasons and there is little evidence that antipersistence occurs at any other season or place than in spring over the United States and the Atlantic Ocean. Although low, the month-to-month correlation in midlatitudes shows clear seasonality with maxima hardy after the solstices and minims in spring and fall. A description is given of the geographical and seasonal distribution of month-to-month correlation of anomalies in monthly mean 700 mb height. The data base is 33 years (1949?81), covering the area poleward of 20°N. In general, correlations are high (0.3 or more) in low latitudes and low (0.0?0.2) in midlatitudes. The correlation is positive nearly everywhere in all seasons and there is little evidence that antipersistence occurs at any other season or place than in spring over the United States and the Atlantic Ocean. Although low, the month-to-month correlation in midlatitudes shows clear seasonality with maxima hardy after the solstices and minims in spring and fall.