The comparison of statistical features and synoptic circulations between the eastward-propagating and quasi-stationary MCSs during the warm season around the second-step terrain along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) around the second-step terrain (106°–113°E, 28°–35°N), along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, were detected, tracked and classified using a black body temperature (TBB) dataset during May to August 2000–2016 (except 2005). The MCSs were divided into eastward-propagating (EP) and quasi-stationary (QS) types, to compare their spatial and temporal distributions and convective intensities, and to identify the favorable synoptic conditions for the formation and evolution of EP MCSs. The results showed that both MCS types occurred most often in July. The EP MCSs were mainly initiated over the eastern regions of the study area, while the QS type mainly originated in the western regions of the study area. Both MCS types mainly formed in the afternoon, but a second peak occurred in the early morning for QS MCSs. The EP MCSs had a larger cloud area at their mature stage and a lower cloud brightness temperature, indicating more intense convection. Additionally, the longer lifetime and further eastward propagation of the EP MCSs meant that they had a great influence on the precipitation over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Synoptic circulation analysis demonstrated that the combination of the mid-level low trough east of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), and the western pacific subtropical high (WPSH), favored the formation and eastward propagation of EP MCSs. The positive vertical relative vorticity and stronger vertical wind shear provided dynamic conditions favorable for convective organization and development. Furthermore, a stronger low level jet imported warm and moist air to the eastern edge of, and the regions east of, the second-step terrain. The substantial convergence of water vapor promoted the development and long-lived maintenance of the EP MCSs.