Abstract:
Using the observational data provided by MICAPS, the characteristics
of the moist potential vorticity of two abrupt torrential rain events in Guanzho
ng, Shaanxi on June 29, 2004, and in northern Shaanxi on August 10, 2004 are ana
lyzed. The results show that at 700 hPa level, the generation of a mesoscale c
onvective instable area with MPV1≤-0.3 PVU and a mesoscale convective stab
le area with MP1≥0.3 PVU at the upper stream, is favorable for moist barotropi
c features, and contributes to the occurrence of abrupt torrential rains. The favorabl
e moist baroclinic features develop at 700hPa level, while the plateau trough mo
ves eastwardsto Hetao area or Guanzhong area. A moist baroclinic center with MPV
2<0 generates at the rear of the trough, as a moist baroclinic center with t
he MP2>0 is in front of the trough. The positive and negative moist barocl
inic centers above rainfall location and its neighboring upper stream, form an isoline
concentrated zone of MPV2, which coupled with the mesoscale convective i
nstable center with MPV1≤-0.3 PVU accords to the rainfall location. On MPV
1 zonal crosssection chart, an MPV column, nearly through upper and low levels, builds
up in westtilting with height at neighboring upper stream of the rainfall location
before the Guanzhong torrential rain. While at Ansai, a funnellike positive
MPV extends from upper level down to the lower troposphere, which overlaps the nega
tive MPV area developing in the boundary layer. The deep negative MPV la
yer develops above the rainfall location. Simultaneously, at the midlow level of tropo
sphere, the positive MPV column moves eastwards to the rainfall location to f
orm a steep isolineconcentrated zone of MPV, which holds indicative meaning to
theoccurrence of abrupt torrential rains. The MPV disturbance owns the characte
ristic of spreading from high to low latitudes. Its threedimensional structure and
evolution are the useful information in predicting abrupt torrential rain occurr
ing in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.