A tropical stratopause precursor for sudden stratospheric warmings

Dramatic meteorological phenomena in the winter polar stratosphere known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events are well recognized for their impacts felt across the whole atmosphere. Apart from the influence of tropospheric forcing and stratospheric control, many studies have addressed the possible role of external factors on the occurrence of SSW events. Here, with the help of reanalysis datasets, we present a hitherto unexplored connection between the tropical upper stratosphere and the polar vortex. We identify enhanced planetary wave driving around the tropical stratopause and poleward progression of the zero-wind line as early indicators for the occurrence of SSW events. We demonstrate that the poleward progression of the zero wind line results in efficient focusing of planetary waves into the polar vortex which culminates in its disruption. Statistically, nearly 70% of the SSW events that took place so far have been preceded by enhanced tropical stratopause wave driving which points towards identifying this as a potential precursor for the occurrence of SSW events. After the year 2000, significantly a greater number of SSW events have been found to be preceded by enhanced tropical stratopause wave driving.

Automated summary

Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events in the winter polar stratosphere have significant impacts on the entire atmosphere. By analyzing reanalysis datasets, a previously unexplored connection between the tropical upper stratosphere and the polar vortex is identified. Enhanced planetary wave driving and poleward progression of the zero-wind line are found to be early indicators for the occurrence of SSW events. Statistical analysis shows that nearly 70% of SSW events are preceded by enhanced tropical stratopause wave driving.