Progress of Atmospheric Circulation and Climate System Dynamics in China Over the Past 100 Years

The manuscript comprehensively reviews the profound understanding and significant advancements made by the Chinese meteorological community over the past century in the fields of atmospheric circulation and climate system dynamics. It summarizes research achievements in multiple areas, including atmospheric teleconnection, nonlinear atmospheric dynamics, monsoon circulation, Tibetan Plateau dynamics, climate system dynamics, and paleoclimate. Although we strive to be as comprehensive as possible, limitations in scope, length, and capability may lead to omissions, for which we seek your understanding. In the field of atmospheric teleconnection, Chinese scholars have conducted in-depth research on the fundamental characteristics of atmospheric circulation and its relationship with climate change. They have revealed the formation mechanisms and impacts of various teleconnection patterns, including the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) pattern and the Silk Road pattern (SRP). These research findings have become a core theoretical framework for understanding Northern Hemisphere summer circulation anomalies. They have not only deepened our understanding of atmospheric teleconnection phenomena but have also provided new perspectives and tools for international climate prediction and research, significantly enhancing the ability to predict atmospheric circulation changes. Regarding monsoon circulation research, Chinese scholars have systematically revealed the formation mechanisms of the East Asian monsoon and its interactions with the three major tropical oceans (Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic). Through in-depth analyses of the air-sea interaction mechanisms governing interannual and interdecadal variability of the monsoon, they have significantly improved our understanding of monsoon system variations. The Global Monsoon Model Intercomparison Project (GMMIP), led by China, has been incorporated into the CMIP6 framework, and its findings have provided key support for the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). Furthermore, Chinese researchers have comprehensively reviewed the definition of the East Asian monsoon index, historical change detection and attribution, and future projections, providing a theoretical foundation and technical support for monsoon climate prediction and adaptation, thereby promoting the advancement of global monsoon research. The field of climate system dynamics encompasses various aspects such as global warming dynamics, atmospheric stratification changes, rapid climate adjustments, and climate variability adjustments. Through numerical simulations and theoretical analysis, Chinese scientists have explored key issues such as precipitation change mechanisms, atmospheric circulation adjustments, and climate feedback effects under the background of global warming. Climate system models developed in China performed outstandingly in CMIP6, with relevant conclusions directly cited in IPCC AR6, marking a significant rise in China''s influence in international climate assessments. In particular, studies on key climate systems such as the East Asian monsoon and the North Pacific subtropical high have provided robust support for climate prediction and response strategies in China and beyond. As a unique topographic unit on Earth, the Tibetan Plateau has a profound impact on atmospheric circulation and the climate system, drawing extensive attention. Through extensive observations and numerical simulations, Chinese meteorologists have revealed the Plateau''s dynamic and thermal forcing effects on atmospheric circulation. Studies have shown that the Tibetan Plateau not only alters the atmospheric circulation structures of surrounding regions but also exerts a far-reaching influence on the Asian monsoon, regional climate, and even global climate. Relevant theories have been recognized by the international academic community as key mechanisms explaining Asian climate variability. In the field of paleoclimate research, Chinese scholars have utilized extensive historical documents and natural archives to reconstruct climate change sequences over historical and geological periods, revealing periodicity, abrupt changes, and regional characteristics of climate variations. These research findings have not only filled gaps in China''s paleoclimate studies but have also provided valuable materials and data support for international paleoclimate research, advancing global paleoclimate studies. In the field of nonlinear atmospheric dynamics, Chinese scientists have made important contributions to nonlinear wave equations in the atmosphere, nonlinear dynamics of blocking, and predictability. They proposed the Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation (CNOP) method and the Nonlinear Local Lyapunov Exponent (NLLE), which have been recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as predictability analysis tools. These innovative theories and methods have not only enriched the theoretical framework of nonlinear atmospheric dynamics but have also provided new insights and technical support for predictability studies of atmospheric and oceanic systems worldwide, pushing forward the international frontier of research in this field. In summary, over the past century, the Chinese meteorological community has made remarkable achievements in understanding atmospheric circulation and climate system dynamics, making important contributions to climate change comprehension and improving climate prediction capabilities. Looking ahead, Chinese meteorologists will continue to deepen their research, innovate persistently, and contribute more Chinese wisdom and strength to the advancement of global meteorological science.