Abstrakt: |
We investigate the position and intensity changes of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over Asia (50°E−135°E) relative to the preindustrial period annually and seasonally during the Last Interglacial (LIG), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and mid‐Holocene (MH) using available models from phases 3 and 4 of the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project. The multi‐model mean shows that the June–July–August ITCZ variations generally dominate the annual changes. The Asian ITCZ shifts northward over western Asia and southward over the eastern side in both the LIG and MH, and the opposite occurs in the LGM. Its intensity varies with longitude similarly for the LIG and MH and generally weakens in the LGM. Precipitation changes associated directly with ITCZ indices are primarily caused by the dynamic term in the LIG and MH, while both dynamic and thermodynamic terms play roles in the LGM, with major contributions from the convergence components. Plain Language Summary: As an intense rain belt, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has an important influence on the regional climate, particularly over Asia. However, its future and past behaviors remain unclear. Based on multi‐model experiments, we investigate Asian ITCZ changes in location and intensity during the past three typical periods: the interglacial periods of the Last Interglacial and the mid‐Holocene and the glacial period of the Last Glacial Maximum. The Asian ITCZ overall strengthens and regionally moves northward over the western part and southward over the eastern part during the two interglacial periods relative to its preindustrial state, which are generally opposite to the position and intensity changes in the glacial period. These ITCZ changes are directly caused by uneven precipitation changes, which are dominated by atmospheric circulation changes during interglacial periods and additionally contributed from water vapor content changes during glacial periods, primarily through the vertical motion of air. Key Points: Asian Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts northward over western Asia and southward over the eastern side in Last Interglacial (LIG) and mid‐Holocene (MH), and the opposite occurs in Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)Asian ITCZ intensity varies with longitude similarly for LIG and MH, while it weakens during LGMDynamic term dominates the ITCZ‐related precipitation changes in LIG and MH, while both dynamic and thermodynamic terms play roles in LGM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |