The shift of convection from the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific Ocean during a 30-60 day oscillation

A strong 30-60 day oscillation during November/December 1981 is studied using analyzed winds from the National Meteorological Center, outgoing longwave radiation, and satellite low-level moisture data. The outgoing longwave radiation and 150 mb velocity potential for five adjacent events are also examined. Consistent features include the slow (5 m/s) propagation of convective energy over the Indian Ocean-western Pacific Ocean and the fast (15 m/s) propagation of 150 mb tropical velocity potential in regions remote from the oceanic warm pool. The individual events have characteristics of the seasonal and anomalous base state within which they are embedded. (DBO)