Abstract:
The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) is the leading mode of variability
in equatorial lower stratospheric zonal winds and is the response of
the stratosphere to wave forcing from the troposphere. Although the
QBO itself mainly occurs in the lower stratosphere, it seems to have
significant influence on the troposphere. Research has suggested that
the QBO has been an important factor in Atlantic hurricane formation.
The QBO has also been shown to exert significant influence on Pacific
typhoon tracks as well as on tropical deep convection and rainfall.
The ENSO (El Niño/Southern Oscillation) has been shown to modulate QBO
periods and amplitudes. Our recent research has been focused on
explaining the ENSO influence on the QBO; how the ENSO influence on
the QBO seems to have changed with time; modeling the QBO in a climate
model; and modeling the QBO influence on tropical deep convection and
rainfall with a cloud-resolving model. All of these topics will be
briefly discussed in this talk.