Geophysical Research Letters (Oct 2024)

Statistical Characteristics of Wavelike Banded Convection Associated With Ducted Gravity Waves Over Southern China

  • Xuan Zhou,
  • Yu Du,
  • Junhong Wei,
  • Zijian Chen,
  • Hongpei Yang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL112027
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 51, no. 20
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Wavelike banded convection occurs frequently and persistently in southern China, significantly impacting local weather. This study presents the first multi‐year investigation of wavelike banded convection associated with ducted gravity waves in southern China from 2013 to 2021 using radar mosaic maps. These convective bands are highly dependent on the wave ducting environment, which typically exhibits a three‐layer stratification structure. Out of 112 identified cases, two types were further classified based on the presence of a wave ducting vertical structure in the soundings: WaveDuct and nonWaveDuct type. Unlike nonWaveDuct type, the WaveDuct type predominantly happens on winter or spring nights. The phase speeds of WaveDuct convective bands also show a highly positive correlation with the depth of the ducting layer, consistent with wave ducting theory. This study provides a climatological understanding of the frequencies, movements, and environment conditions of wavelike banded convection related to ducted gravity waves over southern China.