Open Journal of Ecology
Vol.07 No.01(2017), Article ID:73560,22 pages
10.4236/oje.2017.71002
Annual Fluctuations and Displacements of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) within the Range of Atlantic Ocean-India
Hassan Lashkari*, Zainab Mohammadi, Ghassem Keikhosravi
Department of Synoptic Climatology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Copyright © 2017 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Received: June 20, 2016; Accepted: January 15, 2017; Published: January 18, 2017
ABSTRACT
Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is one of the major systems in making the general circulation of atmosphere. Many climatologists believe that the starting point of the general circulation of atmosphere is from this system. It seems that the annual displacement of this system is coordinated with the sun. In this study we have tried to investigate the annual and seasonal displacement of this system within the range of Middle East, especially within the range of longitude of Iran in a long period of time (statistical period of 66 years). This is the first study in the field of ITCZ monthly and annual long- term changes in Iran. In this study, not only his exact position on Africa and South West Asia ITCZ is determined, it also shows the change in the period of 66 years. These results can also be used on regional climate changes. For this purpose topographic and surface level pressure maps are 1000 and 850 hpa and they were approximately extracted monthly for 12 months of the year from 1948 to 2013 and also they were extracted from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Site in America within the range of 30˚ west to 110˚ east, and they were extracted by using the flow map of location (ITCZ). Due to the sudden displacement in the ITCZ bar path in the two seasons of summer and winter, on the Middle East region, the direct impact of this displacement on sudden changes of seasons, the start and end of untimely rains, its impacts on agricultural products and water recourses of the country so all these reasons are essential that this phenomenon should be studied carefully. Studies have shown that ITCZ is not a coordinated solar system and its displacement is not coordinate with the apparent annual displacement of the sun. October is the only month of ITCZ that within the range of 10 northern degrees in all the ranges of longitude 20˚ west to 110˚ east has an approximate orbital shape. In 6 months of the year (from November to April) (ITCZ) within the range of 30˚ east or 110˚ east, it is entirely located in the Southern Hemisphere and on the contrary in 5 months from May to September (ITCZ) within the range of 30˚ east to 110˚ east, it is entirely located in the Northern Hemisphere. And in this period, ITCZ has its highest Northern movement on the Earth. So that at the foot of the Himalayas it moves to 30˚ north. Within the range of Africa, ITCZ never enters the Southern Hemisphere at any time of the year. And the interesting phenomenon of severe refraction in the way of ITCZ, during the cold period, is within the range of Ethiopia and ITCZ has approximately redirected for Meridian and enters the Southern Hemisphere.
Keywords:
ITCZ, Atlantic Ocean-India, Annual Fluctuations, Displacements
1. Introduction
Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is one of the constructive elements of general circulation of the atmosphere. In other words, the starting point of general circulation of atmosphere is from this system. This system complies with the monthly and seasonal changes of the sun, moves to the northern and southern latitudes and consequently affects the general circulation of the atmosphere. For example in late spring and all summer, the Northern hemisphere, with increasing intensity of solar radiation in the Northern margin of equator, Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) moves to more Northern latitudes [1] . This system, like all other systems, has unique features that cannot be seen in other systems. Phil Andrew et al. have studied the reason for deployment of Tropical Convergence Zone belt in the North of equator and have concluded that the asymmetric distribution of land and water area, geometry of the Earth and receiving unequal sun light and temperature difference between sea levels cause the asymmetry of ITCZ [2] . Eliezer and Gautier, relying on satellite climatology, have determined the intensity of convergence and orbital changes of Tropical Convergence Belt [3] . Zhang by applying spectral analysis models and wavelet analysis has investigated the ITCZ disorders in Synoptic scale and has expressed that these models have observed the annual, monthly and periodic changes in Tropical Convergence Belt [4] . Arbuszewski et al. in a research entitled “Studying the Effect of Tropical Convergence Zone on Aerosols” have shown that air masses of dust are fully associated with the location of ITCZ [5] . Seasonal variation in the spatial distribution of aerosols over Africa and nearby oceans is related to the large-scale atmospheric circulation, which is manifested by seasonal changes in the position of the intertropical convergence zone [6] and subsequent variations in the location and intensity of circulation centers [7] [8] [9] . The ITCZ is characterized by the convergence of dry northeasterly trade winds blowing over the Sahara, the so-called Harmattan winds, and humid south easterly winds originating farther south over the tropical Atlantic Ocean [7] . Farther south in the Sahel and southern fringes of the Sahara, the rainy season associated with north ward movement of the ITCZ and invasion of southerly warm and moist air from tropical regions results in reduced dust activity in summer. Over the Sahelian region, however, the summertime southerly warm and moist air is replaced by the wintertime northerly dry continental flows, which tend to generate dust storms in desert areas [10] . The extent of African dust over the
2. Methodology
In this research annual fluctuations and displacements of Tropical Convergence Zone within the range of Atlantic Ocean-India in the statistical period (1948-2013) have been investigated. Since the minimum local wind speed can represent the location of ITCZ, at first in order to determine the position of the belt, the annual wind speed map has been used by using daily data of ERA-Interim and the cross-section (profile) of mean zonal of wind zonal of average data for geographical range 20˚W - 110˚E and 35˚S - 40˚N for all months in the period of (1984-2013), in the software environment of GRADS. In annual scale the average location of Tropical Convergence Zone, that zonal winds at ground level reach zero, complies on the equator line. Also to obtain the position of this line, for different periods of time, MATLAB software has been used. And finally outputs of maps have been drawn in GIS software environment.
3. Results
3.1. October
This month in ecological literature is known as equinox month and in solar calendar is considered as the beginning month of water year in Iran. In other words, the sun is in its second equinox and it is expected that the position of ITCZ, comply with the deployment of the sun to be located within the range of equator. Figure 1 shows an example of the motion path of ITCZ in each month of the statistical period (2005-2013), within the range of latitude 20˚ west to 110˚ east. It can be seen that within the range of Sudan and Red Sea (ITCZ), there is a northern stretch in all the months of October in decade (2005-2013).
This pattern is seen in all decades and all the years approximately with intensity and weakness.
Figure 1 shows the average position of ITCZ in the period of ten years. It
Figure 1. An example of motion path ITCZ in the statistical period (2005-2013).
also shows this kind of pattern, in all decades in the range of
3.2. November
It is expected that in this month the position of ITCZ moves into lower latitudes. Figure 3 shows the average position of ITCZ in the period of ten years. In this month, ITCZ has taken a more flat mode and does not have the distortion in October. The position of ITCZ up to about 30˚ - 35˚ east, is still above 10˚ east. But it has been dislocated from 35 degrees around the equator and sometimes to 5 Southern degrees. This condition is seen in the motion path of ITCZ in each of the years. For example, Figure 4 shows the location and motion path of ITCZ in each month of November in decade (1980-1987). A conducted survey about the motion path and position of ITCZ has confirmed this condition in other decades. Refraction in the motion path of ITCZ in the range of 30˚ to 35˚ latitudes
Figure 2. The average position of ITCZ in the period of ten years.
Figure 3. Average position of ITCZ in the period of ten years.
Figure 4. Position and motion path of ITCZ in the statistical period (1980-1987).
(in the position of Southern Sudan and Northern Ethiopia seems to be associated with the Southern pressure move towards Saudi Arabia).
3.3. December
Figure 5 shows the position and motion path of ITCZ in each six decades. In this month also the motion path of ITCZ in the range of Western 20˚ to Eastern 20˚ latitudes are higher than the equator and sometimes shows the shift to 10 Northern degrees.
It was expected that in this month because of moving towards South, the direction of general circulation of atmosphere (ITCZ) be located in a position more Southern than the equator. But its motion path is higher than the equator and the motion path of move is suddenly refracted toward Southern latitudes in the range of 20˚ east (About 10 degrees more western than November). Then, after passing above the
In this month the high-pressure Siberian tab is reinforced and generally its Southern tab expands on its Eastern half and Sea of Oman [15] . Figure 6 shows an example of the position of monthly motion path (ITCZ) in the months of decade (2005-2013). It can be seen that the monthly position of motion path ITCZ shows good conformity with its average position in ten years and this phenomenon has been dominant in other years of the other decades.
3.4. January
In this month the average condition of move (ITCZ) is very similar to the pattern of December. Also in this month the motion path of ITCZ is located in the
Figure 5. Average position of ITCZ in periods of ten years.
Figure 6. Position and motion path (ITCZ) in the statistical period (2005-2013).
range of 20˚ west to 35˚ east along the orbits of 5 to 10 northern degrees. And in the range of 35˚ latitude, it is suddenly faced with a sudden redirect and a severe refraction. So, ITCZ is perpendicular to the latitude of 5˚ north and moves to the latitude of 20˚ south. In the following this stretch moves northwards. And along the orbit 5˚ south continues toward East. Then with a gradual slope reaches the range of latitude 90˚ east to 100˚ east to near the equator. Figure 7 shows this phenomenon for decades of ten years. This general mode can be seen in monthly features. Except few examples (66 years) it continues this pattern Figure 8 shows an example of motion path (ITCZ) in each month during years of (2005-2013). It seems that the severe refraction in the motion path (ITCZ) is in the range of latitudes 30˚ to 35˚ eastern (
3.5. February
Figure 9 shows the motion pattern and motion path (ITCZ) in February during a ten-year period in the statistical period of 66 years. It can be seen that the dominant pattern is similar to the dominant pattern in November, December and January. This pattern does not show remarkable change compared to the previous months. Only there is a minor change in the depth of influence and shift (ITCZ) to the Southern hemisphere and it seems that it is located about 2 to 3 degrees higher than the position in January. Decade (1958-1963) is located in a higher position compared to other decades. In the monthly pattern of this period this inconsistency can be seen. Figure 10 shows the motion path of ITCZ in each year of this statistical period.
3.6. March
General dominant pattern in this month is very similar to the previous four
Figure 7. Average position of ITCZ in periods of ten years.
Figure 8. Position and motion path (ITCZ) in the statistical period (2005-2013).
Figure 9. Average position (ITCZ) in periods of ten years.
Figure 10. Position and motion path of ITCZ in the statistical period (1956-1963).
months. But a significant difference can be seen in the Northern side displacement in all latitudes. The position of ITCZ in the range of 10˚ west to 30˚ east has been stretched in the range of 10˚ north orbits and from the latitude about 30˚ east, has redirected towards South with an almost severe slope. And after passing the motion path of 20 degrees it has reached to the 10˚ south orbit. It has been stretched from the range of 40˚ east latitude in the range of orbits 5˚ to 10˚ south to 110˚ east. Therefore winter pattern can also be seen in this month. Among the ten-year periods of statistical period (1956-1963) the most displacement of Southern-side, has been occurred in the range of latitudes 30 to 40 eastern degrees. In contrast, in the range of latitudes 90˚ to 100˚ east in the range of Archipelago of Indonesia in all years (ITCZ), there was a significant bulge towards North. Figure 11 and Figure 12 show this phenomenon very well.
3.7. April
In climatology this month is considered as month of equinox. It seems that with displacement of the sun towards the equator (ITCZ), it will be located at this range. Figure 13 shows the position and motion path (ITCZ) in the average periods of ten years in this month. The general dominant pattern is very similar to winter pattern (ITCZ). There is a little difference compared to previous months. This difference is the Northern-side displacement in all years. In the range of 10˚ to 40˚ east (ITCZ) it has been shifted about 5 degrees towards North. The sudden refraction and redirection that has happened in the previous months in the range of latitudes 30 to 35 degrees, and this month has occurred in the range of 40 degrees. The refraction slope compared to previous months has been more flat and in Southern hemisphere has not reached to lower than 5 degrees orbit. In other words, ITCZ within the range of 45˚ to 110˚ east has stretched on the orbit of 0 to 5 degrees (equator). Certainly the annual changes have been very different in this range. Figure 14 shows the motion path (ITCZ) in each year from 2005 to 2013 in April.
Figure 11. Average position of ITCZ in the periods of ten years.
Figure 12. Position and motion path of ITCZ in the statistical period (1956-1963).
Figure 13. Average position (ITCZ) in periods of ten years.
3.8. May
Figure 15 shows the position (ITCZ) in the average periods of ten years. Considering the position (ITCZ) within the range of latitudes 10˚ west to 35˚ north does not show much changes compared to previous months. In general its position compared to the previous month has 2 to 3 degrees Northern-side displacement and paths are located in the range of 10˚ to 15˚ north. But within the range of latitude 40˚ to 110˚ east the displacement of motion path is significant and remarkable. A sever refraction within the range of latitudes 35˚ to 45˚ east has been completely vanished and in the whole of this range (ITCZ) has been located on Arabian Peninsula. This displacement within the range of latitudes
Figure 14. Position and motion path (ITCZ) in the statistical period (2005-2013).
Figure 15. Average position (ITCZ) in periods of ten years.
50˚ to 80˚ east is much more than other positions and ITCZ completely has bent towards high latitudes and has been stretched to the North of India. In some position it has reached to 30 degrees orbit.
In the period of (1988-1995) unlike other periods (ITCZ) in the range of 35˚ to 50˚ east (South of the Red Sea and
3.9. June
Figure 17 shows the motion pattern (ITCZ) in June in the statistical period of 66 years. The general pattern is very similar to the moon. It does not show many changes in terms of local position.
Figure 16. Position and motion path (ITCZ).
Figure 17. Average position (ITCZ) in the periods of ten years.
There is a minor difference within the Southern range of Red Sea and
3.10. July
Also the general pattern in this month is very similar to the pattern in May. Also in this month in the period of (1956-1963) the path of curve (ITCZ) in the Western Arabia and
In the period of (1948-1955) compared to other periods path of ITCZ on the Red Sea and west of it shows a severe Northern bent. In other periods it has a gradual slope towards North. Figure 20 shows this phenomenon.
3.11. August
The general dominant pattern in this month is also the continuation of several previous months before spring and summer. It is also on Africa (ITCZ) within the range of latitudes 10˚ to 20˚ north. After passing above the Red Sea slopes
Figure 18. Position and motion path (ITCZ).
Figure 19. Average position (ITCZ) in periods of ten years.
Figure 20. Position and motion path (ITCZ).
bend towards South and after passing the Strait of Hormuz and Southeast of Iran it enters
3.12. September
Figure 22 shows the general dominant pattern in periods of 9 years in September. In this month the same general pattern of other months of summer is dominant. There is a little difference in all positions of ITCZ. So that in all positions it has been moved about 3 to 5 degrees (ITCZ) towards South and it is located in the East of the Red Sea. Figure 23 shows an example of this movement toward the West and South (ITCZ) in decade (1964-1971).
4. Conclusions
The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has been as the starting location
Figure 21. Average position (ITCZ) in the periods of ten years.
Figure 22. Average position (ITCZ) in the periods of ten years.
or one of the most important and effective systems in the general circulation of atmosphere and it has always attracted the attention of climatologists and atmospheric scientists. The range of latitudes from 20˚ west to 110˚ east is one of the regions that has allocated a variety of major global climates to itself. The extreme dry climate of
Figure 23. Position and motion path (ITCZ) in the statistical period (1964-1971).
monsoon climate of Indian Subcontinent, are the indicator climates of this region. In this research we have concluded that:
1) The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone within the range of Africa to the Southeast of Asia is not a synchronized solar system. It means that the displacement of ITCZ is not synchronized with the southern and northern displacement of the Sun during the year. Therefore in October in the whole range of 20˚ west to 110˚ east, ITCZ locates in the range of 10˚ north. But in April, ITCZ within the range of Africa (10˚ west to 35˚ east) is also within the range of orbit 10˚ Northern. But near Ethiopia it displaces with a severe refraction towards South and locates near the equator in 5˚ south.
2) It seems that ITCZ before Africa (on the Atlantic Ocean) because of moving above the waters of Atlantic Ocean generally has a Southern position and by entering Africa changes with a gradual slope towards higher latitudes. Then in all its way above
3) The position of ITCZ is located on the Sahara desert of Africa above the equator during the whole year. So that its position is located within the range of orbit 10˚ north in cold months of the year (autumn and winter of Northern hemisphere) and is located within the range of orbit 20˚ north in warm months of the year (spring and summer(.
4) After latitudes of 35˚ to 45˚ east, the displacement is very severe and as a result of seasonal changes sometimes they have a displacement up to 50 degrees latitude.
5) May and November are the months of changes in the pattern of structure (ITCZ) and the displacement is severe in the position of ITCZ within the range of 35˚ to 110˚ east (The Middle East and Southeast Asia). In fact these two months are the transitional months in the pattern of this region (ITCZ).
5) In the winter pattern (ITCZ) almost from November to April which includes 6 months of the year (ITCZ) and it complies with this pattern. After the latitude of 10˚ west, path of ITCZ has an orbital mode on Africa and is located within the range of orbit 10˚ north. Then within the range of latitudes from 30˚ to 35˚ east (
[The reason of this slope and severe refraction in the motion path of ITCZ on Ethiopia, is the Southern-side displacement of Arabia high pressure cell, in the cold period of the year. So that January has the most southern-side motion of Arabia high pressure cell, and also has the most slope (see Figure 5 and Figure 6). On the other hand, by reinforcing the Siberian high pressure and its Southern-side motion, the southern tab of this high pressure, after passing the East of Iran and Afghanistan will influence on the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and East of Arabian Peninsula. And the cold air advection will help the Southern-side motion of ITCZ.]
6) Summer pattern of ITCZ in this geographical range is that ITCZ enters Africa above waters of the Atlantic Ocean, within the range of 10˚ north latitude with a gradual slope and will be stretched within the range of 20˚ to 22˚ north latitude to 35˚ east (Sudan). Within the range of
Also the special results of this study could be mentioned as follow:
Unlike the popular belief, ITCZ belt does not follow displacement of the Sun in the cold period of the year. And during the whole cold period of the year, (October to April) is located on African Sahara in North of the Equator.
In some years ITCZ has been out of normal state and does not follow the general form of that month. And the reason for this anomaly should be studies in another research.
In the whole cold period of the year, a severe refraction can be seen in the motion path of ITCZ bar on the northeast of Africa and this issue was not considered in the conducted research.
Seasonal displacement of ITCZ especially, from spring to summer is sudden and severe and this result is synchronized with the results of work [16] [17] about the sudden displacements of ITCZ on Indian Ocean and Egypt.
In the hot period of the year a sever refraction has been took place on the motion path of ITCZ bar on the east of Arabia. And ITCZ belt rises to the south of Himalaya with a severe northern-side movement [18] . They have mentioned about the ITCZ refractions, in the center and east of Pacific Ocean.
Cite this paper
Lashkari, H., Mohammadi, Z. and Keikhosravi, G. (2017) Annual Fluctuations and Displacements of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) within the Range of Atlantic Ocean-India. Open Journal of Ecology, 7, 12-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oje.2017.71002
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