Search

Extreme integrated vapor transport (IVT) is a crucial driving factor of extreme precipitation events (EPEs). This paper presents a complex network‐based characterization of propagations from extreme IVT to EPEs. Specifically, the propagations are tracked from extreme IVT to EPEs by event synchronization; and then the source zones of extreme IVT contributing to EPEs are identified by two‐layer complex network. A case study is devised for North America based on the daily NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis 1 from 1948 to 2021. Overall, eight communities of EPEs are identified: the west coast of United States (US) tend to receive substantial EPEs from the Pacific Ocean; the Gulf of Alaska tends to receive oceanic EPEs propagating inland; western Canada typically experiences large amount of out tendencies and the EPEs tend to accumulate in the Baffin Island and Labrador Peninsula; the southeastern US and the northern Great Plains tend to experience northward propagations from Mexico. Along the west coast of North America, the propagations from extreme IVT to EPEs typically originate from the eastern North Pacific between 160°W and 110°W, and make landfalls in 4 days. These propagations are influenced by anomalous cyclonic circulations developing over the Gulf of Alaska forced by eastward Rossby waves. The coincidence rate of these propagations with atmospheric rivers is, respectively, 85.31% in autumn, 91.35% in winter, 73.94% in spring, and 64.52% in summer. Overall, the observed propagations from extreme IVT to EPEs yield insights into the mechanism of atmospheric moisture transport and the predictability of precipitation. Plain Language Summary: Owing to different synoptic systems such as atmospheric rivers, low‐level jets, and tropical cyclones, there exist profound propagations from extreme integrated vapor transport to extreme precipitation. Focusing on North America, this paper is concentrated on the complex network underlying extreme integrated vapor transport and extreme precipitation events. It is found that the Rocky Mountains play an important part in shaping the propagations from extreme integrated vapor transport to extreme precipitation events. In particular, along the west coast of North America, extreme integrated vapor transport originating from the eastern North Pacific tends to be blocked by the Rocky Mountains, causing rising/cooling and leading to extreme precipitation. Overall, along the Rocky Mountains, there exist eight communities of extreme precipitation. Key Points: There exists a complex network on propagations from extreme integrated vapor transport to extreme precipitation events in North AmericaIn the west coast of North America, the propagations typically originate from eastern North Pacific and make landfalls in 4 daysThe coincidence rate of propagations with atmospheric rivers is, respectively, above 90% and 60% in boreal winter and summer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]