Effects of the atmospheric dynamic and thermodynamic fields on the eastward propagation of Tibetan Plateau vortices

Tibetan Plateau vortices (TPVs) are major rain-producing systems over the Tibetan Plateau. Some TPVs can move off the plateau under certain conditions and impact rainfall over Eastern China. Accordingly, the eastward propagation distances of the TPVs moving off the plateau (EPDs) are closely related to the areas of rainfall associated with TPVs. In this study, the moving-off TPVs during May-August of 1998–2015 are classified into two groups according to their EPDs, and the circulations and heating fields at the times when the TPVs move off the plateau (i.e. moving-off times) are investigated based on reanalysis data. The dynamic and thermodynamic conditions to the east of the Tibetan Plateau are found to significantly impact the EPDs. In the middle and lower troposphere, the zonal ranges of negative geopotential height anomalies to the east of the Tibetan Plateau are in accordance with the EPDs of the TPVs, indicating that anomalous lows play a favourable role in the eastward movement of TPVs. In addition, the anomalous highs to the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau and over Southeastern China also benefit the maintenance of cyclonic circulation to the east of the plateau. Meanwhile, in the upper troposphere, the jet stream over Northeast Asia is beneficial for divergence at 200 hPa. Accordingly, ascending motion associated with the upper-level divergence and lower-level convergence is observed, with the zonal extent corresponding well to the EPDs in the two situations. The atmospheric thermodynamic factors also show a remarkable effect on the EPDs. The TPVs move farther away when the unstable stratification and water vapour convergence extend further eastward. The heating ranges above 500 hPa coincide with the EPDs of TPVs, implying a close relationship between the heating fields and the EPDs. These results benefit prediction on EPDs and further on rainfall to the east of the Tibetan Plateau.