Quantification of Seasonal and Interannual Variations of the Tibetan Plateau Surface Thermodynamic Forcing Based on the Potential Vorticity

In this study, a new index based on the potential vorticity (PV) framework is proposed for quantification of Tibetan Plateau (TP) surface thermodynamic and dynamic forcing. The results show that derived TP PV (SPV) includes topographical effect, near-surface absolute vorticity, land–air temperature differences. climatological annual cycle SPV suggests transitions from cooling to heating source in April. reaches maximum June August, which consistent with evolution Asian summer monsoon precipitation. Further analysis intensified boreal low-level cyclonic circulation anomaly associated increased precipitation over southeastern slope South China decreased Indian Ocean. winter, local cold air divergence at surface.