Convectively coupled Kelvin Waves: From linear theory to global models

We analyze composite structures of tropical convectively-coupled Kelvin waves in terms of the theory of Raymond and Fuchs using radiosonde data, 3D analysis and reanalysis model output, and annual integrations with the ECMWF model on the full planet and on an aqua-planet. Precipitation anomalies are estimated using the NOAA interpolated OLR and TRMM 3B42 datasets, as well as using model OLR and rainfall diagnostics. Derived variables from these datasets are used to examine assumptions of the theory. Large-scale characteristics of wave phenomena are robust in all datasets and models where Kelvin wave variance is large. Indices from the theory representing column moisture and convective inhibition are also robust. Our results suggest that the CCKWis highly dependent on convective inhibition, while column moisture does not play an important role.