• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.68-81
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• 2015

In this study, the correlation between the frequency of summer tropical cyclones (TC) affecting areas around Korea over the last 37 years and the western North Pacific monsoon index (WNPMI) was analyzed. A clear positive correlation existed between the two variables, and this high positive correlation remained unchanged even when excluding El Ni$\tilde{n}$o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) years. To investigate the causes of the positive correlation between these two variables, ENSO years were excluded, after which the 8 years with the highest WNPMI (positive WNPMI phase) and the 8 years with the lowest WNPMI (negative WNPMI phase) were selected, and the average difference between the two phases was analyzed. In the positive WNPMI phase, TCs usually occurred in the eastern waters of the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, and tended to pass the East China Sea on their way north toward Korea and Japan. In the negative WNPMI phase, TCs usually occurred in the western waters of the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, and tended to pass the South China Sea on their way west toward the southeastern Chinese coast and the Indochina peninsula. Therefore, TC intensity was higher in the positive WNPMI phase, during which TCs are able to gain sufficient energy from the sea while moving a long distance to areas nearby Korea. TCs also tended to occur more often in the positive WNPMI phase. In the difference between the two phases regarding 850 and 500 hPa streamline, anomalous cyclones were reinforced in the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, while anomalous anticyclones were reinforced in mid-latitude East Asian areas. Due to these two anomalous pressure systems, anomalous southeasterlies developed in areas near Korea, with these anomalous southeasterlies playing the role of anomalous steering flows making the TCs head toward areas near Korea. Also, due to the anomalous cyclones developed in the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, more TCs could occur in the positive WNPMI phase.

• Atmosphere
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2020

This study analyzed and compared development mechanisms leading to heat waves of 2016 and 2018 in Korea. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis Interim (ERA Interim) dataset and Automated Surface Observing System data are used for synoptic scale analysis. The synoptic conditions are investigated using geopotential height, temperature, equivalent potential temperature, thickness, potential vorticity, omega, outgoing longwave radiation, and blocking index, etc. Heat waves in South Korea occur in relation to Western North Pacific Subtropical High (WNPSH) pressure system which moves northwestward to East Asia during summer season. Especially in 2018, WNPSH intensified due to strong large-scale circulation associated with convective activities in the Philippine Sea, and moved farther north to Korea when compared to 2016. In addition, the Tibetan high near the tropopause settled over Northern China on top of WNPSH creating a very strong anticyclonic structure in the upper-level over the Korean Peninsula. Unlike 2018, WNPSH was weaker and centered over the East China Sea in 2016. Analysis of blocking indices show wide blocking phenomena over the North Pacific and the Eurasian continent during heat wave event in both years. The strong upper-level ridge which was positioned zonally near 60°N, made the WNPSH over the South Korea stagnant in both years. Analysis of heat wave intensity (HWI) and duration (HWD) show that HWI and HWD in 2018 was both strong leading to extreme high temperatures. In 2016 however, HWI was relatively weak compared to HWD. The longevity of HWD is attributed to atmosphere blocking in the surrounding Eurasian continent.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.194-208
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• 2017

This study analyzed the correlation between tropical cyclone (TC) frequency and the western North Pacific monsoon index (WNPMI), which have both been influential in East China Sea during the summer season over the past 37 years (1977-2013). A high positive correlation was found between these two variables, but it did not change even if El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) years were excluded. To determine the cause of this positive correlation, the highest (positive WNPMI phase) and lowest WNPMIs (negative WNPMI phase) during an eleven-year period were selected to analyze the mean difference between them, excluding ENSO years. In the positive WNPMI phase, TCs were mainly generated in the eastern seas of the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, passing through the East China Sea and moving northward toward Korea and Japan. In the negative phase, TCs were mainly generated in the western seas of the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, passing through the South China Sea and moving westward toward China's southern regions. Therefore, TC intensity in the positive phase was stronger due to the acquisition of sufficient energy from the sea while moving a long distance up to East Asia's mid-latitude. Additionally, TCs occurred more in the positive phase. Regarding the difference in 850 hPa and 500 hPa stream flows between the two phases, anomalous cyclones were strengthened in the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, whereas anomalous anticyclones were strengthened in East Asia's mid-latitude regions. Due to these two anomalous pressure systems, anomalous southeasterlies developed in East China Sea, which played a role in the anomalous steering flows that moved TCs into this region. Furthermore, due to the anomalous cyclones that developed in the tropical and subtropical western North Pacific, more TCs could be generated in the positive phase.

• 한국전산유체공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2006.05a
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• pp.133-136
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• 2006

The mesoscale eddy field in the North Pacific Ocean, simulated by a high resolution eddy-resolving OGCM ($1/12^{\circ}C$ horizontal resolution), was analyzed, and compared with satellite altimetry data of TOPEX/Poseidon. High levels of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) appear near the Kurosho, North Equatorial Current (NEC), and Subtropical Countercurrent (STCC) in the western part of the subropical gyre. In particlure, it was found that the EKE level of the STCC has a well-defined annual cycle, but no distinct annual cycle of the EKE exists in any other zonal current of the North Pacific Ocean.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.190-199
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• 2008

To investigate hydrographic structure and characteristics of the tropical ocean in the eastern and the western Pacific, CTD(Conductivity-Temperature-Depth) data along $131^{\circ}W$ and $137^{\circ}-142^{\circ}E$ in July-August 2005 were analyzed. Sea surface temperature along $131.5^{\circ}W$ in summer is highest in the Equatorial Counter Current(ECC) because of the high-temperature water greater than $28^{\circ}C$ moving through the ECC from the western Pacific to the eastern Pacific in spring and summer. Based on the evidence of the presence of low salinity and high dissolved oxygen water in the North Equatorial Current(NEC), we suggested that the low salinity water moved from the Gulf of Panama to the east of Philippine along the North Equatorial Current(NEC). The South Equatorial Current(SEC) had the most saline water from surface to deep layer because the saline water from the Subtropical South Pacific Ocean moved to the north. The salinity minimum layer was observed at 500-1500 m depth along $131.5^{\circ}W$. The water mass with the salinity minimum layer in the north of $5^{\circ}N$ came from the North Pacific Intermediate Water(NPIW) and that in the south of $5^{\circ}N$ came from the Antarctic Intermediate Water(AAIW), which was more saline than the NPIW. Cyclonic cold eddy with a diameter of about 200km was found in $4-6^{\circ}N$. Sea surface temperature along $131.5^{\circ}W$ in the eastern Pacific was lower than along $137^{\circ}-142^{\circ}E$ in the western Pacific; on the other hand, sea surface salinity in the eastern Pacific was higher than in the western Pacific. Subsurface saline water from the Subtropical South Pacific Ocean was less saline in the eastern Pacific than in the western Pacific. Salinity and density(${\sigma}_{\theta}$) of the salinity minimum layer south of $14^{\circ}N$ was higher in the eastern Pacific than in the western Pacific.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.336-344
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• 2013

This study has developed a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) for the seasonal prediction of the summer tropical cyclone genesis frequency (TCGF) over the western North Pacific (WNP) using the four teleconnection patterns. These patterns are representative of the Siberian high Oscillation (SHO) in the East Asian continent, the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) in the North Pacific, Antarctic oscillation (AAO) near Australia, and the circulation in the equatorial central Pacific during the boreal spring (April-May). This statistical model is verified by analyzing the differences hindcasted for the high and low TCGF years. The high TCGF years are characterized by the following anomalous features: four anomalous teleconnection patterns such as anticyclonic circulation (positive SHO phase) in the East Asian continent, pressure pattern like north-high and south-low in the North Pacific, and cyclonic circulation (positive AAO phase) near Australia, and cyclonic circulation in the Nino3.4 region were strengthened during the period from boreal spring to boreal summer. Thus, anomalous trade winds in the tropical western Pacific (TWP) were weakened by anomalous cyclonic circulations that located in the subtropical western Pacific (SWP) in both hemispheres. Consequently, this spatial distribution of anomalous pressure pattern suppressed convection in the TWP, strengthened convection in the SWP instead.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.33 no.spc3
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• pp.385-395
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• 2011

Time-series sediment traps were deployed at 1,000 m water depth of the northwestern subtropical Pacific from July 2009 to June 2010, with the aim of understanding temporal and spatial variations of sinking-particle fluxes. The opening and closing of the traps was synchronized at 18-day periods for 20 events. Total mass fluxes showed distinct seasonal variations with high values for the summer-fall seasons and relatively low values for winter-spring. This seasonal variation at two stations was characterized by a distinct difference in $CaCO_3$ fluxes between the two seasons. The enhanced $CaCO_3$ flux in the summer - fall seasons might be attributed to an increased planktonic foraminiferal flux. Total mass flux at FM10 station was nearly 50% higher than that at FM1 station. The difference in $CaCO_3$ fluxes between two stations contributed nearly 70% of the difference of total mass fluxes. The $CaCO_3$ flux was a major component controlling temporal and spatial variation of sinking - particle fluxes in the western subtropical Pacific Ocean.

• Atmosphere
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.183-197
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• 2008

The purpose of this study is to summarize tropical cyclone activity in 2007. 24 tropical cyclones of tropical storm (TS) intensity or higher formed in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in 2007. The total number is less than the thirty-year (1971~2000) average frequency of 26.7. Out of twenty four tropical cyclones, 14 TCs reached typhoon (TY) intensity, while the rest 10 only reached severe tropical storm (STS) and tropical storm (TS) intensity - four STS and six TS storms. The tropical cyclone season in 2007 began in April with the formation of KONG-REY (0701). From April to May, two TCs formed in the western North Pacific in response to enhanced convective activity there. From June to July, convective activity turned inactive over the sea around the Philippines and in the South China Sea, and the subtropical high was weak over the south of Japan. MAN-YI (0704) and USAGI (0705) moved northwestward and hit Japan, bringing serious damage to the country. After August, convective activity became enhanced over the sea east of the Philippines, and the subtropical high turned strong over the sea south of Japan. Many TCs, which formed over the sea east of the Philippines and in the South China Sea, moved westward and hit China and Vietnam. PABUK (0706), WUTIP (0707), SEPAT (0708), WIPHA (0712), LEKIMA (0714) and KROSA (0715) brought serious damage to some countries including China, the Philippines and Vietnam. On the other hand, FITOW (0709) and NARI (0711) moved northward, bringing serious damage to Japan and Korea. After HAIYAN (0716), all four TCs except FAXAI (0720) formed over the sea east of $140^{\circ}E$. Three typhoons among them affected Republic of Korea, MAN-YI (0704), USAGI (0705) and NARI (0711). Particularly, NARI (0711) moved northward and made landfall at Goheng Peninsula ($34.5^{\circ}N$, $127.4^{\circ}E$) in 1815 KST 16 September. Due to $11^{th}$ typhoon NARI, strong wind and record-breaking rainfall amount was observed in Jeju Island. It was reported that the daily precipitation was 420.0 mm at Jeju city, Jeju Island on 16 September the highest daily rainfall since Jeju began keeping records in 1927. This typhoon hit the southern part of the Korean peninsula and Jeju Island. 18 people lost their lives, 14,170 people were evacuated and US$ 1.6 billion property damage was occurred.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.240-249
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• 2005

The normal Indian Ocean is characterized by warmer waters over the eastern region and cooler waters over the western region. Changes in sea surface temperature (SST) over the western and eastern Indian Ocean give birth to a phenomenon now referred to as the Indian Ocean Dipole Mode (IODM). The positive phase of this mode is characterized by positive SST anomalies over the western Indian Ocean and negative anomalies over the southeastern Indian Ocean, while the negative phase is characterized by a reversed SST anomaly pattern. On the other hand, the normal Pacific Ocean has warm (cool) waters over the western (eastern) parts. Positive (negative) SST anomalies over the central/eastern (western) Pacific Ocean characterize the E1 Nino phenomenon. The reverse situation leads to the La Nina phenomenon. The coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon over the Pacific is referred to as the E1 Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. In this study the impact of IODM and ENSO on the East Asian monsoon variability has been studied using observational data and using the Community Atmospheric Model (CAM) of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Five sets of model experiments were performed with anomalous SST patterns associated with IODM/ENSO superimposed on the climatological SSTs. The empirical and dynamic approaches reveal that it takes about 3-4 seasons fur the peak IODM mode to influence the summer monsoon activity over East Asia. On the other hand, the impact of ENSO on the East Asian monsoon could occur simultaneously. Further, the negative (positive) phase of IODM and E1 Nino (La Nina) over the Pacific enhances (suppresses) monsoon activity over the Korea-Japan Sector. Alternatively, IODM appears to have no significant impact on monsoon variability over China. However, El Nino (La Nina) suppresses (enhances) monsoon activity over China. While the IODM appears to influence the North Pacific subtropical high, ENSO appears to influence the Aleutian low over the northwest Pacific. Thus, the moisture supply towards East Asia from the Pacific is determined by the strengthening/weakening of the subtropical high and the Aleutian low.

• 한국방재학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2007.02a
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• pp.327-331
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• 2007

23 tropical cyclones of tropical storm(TS) intensity or higher formed in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in 2006. The total number is less than the 30-year $(1971{\sim}2000)$ average frequency of 26.7, Out of 23, 15 cyclones reached typhoon(TY) intensity, three severe tropical storm(STS) intensity, and five TS intensity. The tropical cyclone season in 2006 began in May with the formation of CHANCHU(0601). While convective activity was slightly inactive around the Philippines from late June to early August. In addition, subtropical high was more enhanced than normal over the south of Japan from May to early August. Consequently, most tropical cyclones formed over the sea east of the Philippines after late June, and many of them moved westwards to China. CHANCHU(0601), BILIS(0604), KAEMI(0605), PRAPIROON(0606) and SAOMI(0608) brought damage to China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. On the other hand, EWINIAR(0603) moved northwards and hit the Republic of Korea, causing damage to the country From late August to early September, convective activity was temporarily inactive over the sea east of the Philippines. However, it turned active again after late September. Subtropical high was weak over the south of Japan after late August. Therefore, most tropical cyclones formed over the sea east of the Philippines and moved northwards. WUKONG(0610) and SHANSHAN(0613) hit Japan to bring damage to the country. On the other hand, XANGSANE(0615) and CIMARON(0619) moved westwards in the South China Sea, causing damage to the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, IOKE(0612) was the first namded cyclone formed in the central North Pacific and moved westwards across longitude 180 degrees east after HUKO(0224).