Comparison and Analyses of Existing Objective, Quantificational Blocking Indices

Abstract:

There are existing objective, quantitative blocking indices that could be classified into five types: the departure method, the Tibaldi and Molteni（TM） method, the dynamical index(PV-θindex), the dynamical potential vorticity (PV) based index, and the circumfluent type method. Persistent blocking highs can be associated with destructive weather including low temperatures, snowfall, and anomalous freezing from January 1st to February 2nd 2008 in China. Using the daily reanalysis data provided by NCEP/NCAR, the merits and flaws of these five objective methods are studied individually, including the intensity、size and frequency of block. Generally speaking, each method has both advantages and clearly identifiable limitations because of the mathematical formulation for each objective blocking index. Based on the merits and flaws of these blocking indices summarized in this study, investigators and operational meteorologists could apply these blocking indices better if they can select an index compatible with their study objectives, or improve upon and innovate a new method.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 518-523)
• Pages: 1282-1288
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.518-523.1282
• Online since: May 2012
• Authors: Yan Li, Shi Gong Wang, Rong Hua Jin
• Keywords: Blocking, Comparison, Index, Weather Disaster

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