Using two datasets of global pentad grid precipitation and global 850 hPa geopotential height during 1979-2007,this study identified global monsoon troughs and global atmospheric centers of action (ACAs) on a pentad scale.The global monsoon troughs consist of planetary-scale monsoon troughs and peninsula-scale monsoon troughs.Forced by seasonal variations in solar radiation,the inter-tropical convergence zones (ITCZs) represent the planetary-scale monsoon troughs,which are active and shift over the tropical North Pacific,the tropical North Atlantic,and the tropical South Indian oceans.The peninsula-scale monsoon troughs are originated from regional land-sea topography and varied with contrasts in seasonal land-sea surface temperatures and precipitation.During the boreal summer,five peninsula-scale troughs and one planetary-scale trough are distributed in the Asia-Northwest Pacific (NWP) region.In total,22 troughs,nine monsoon troughs,and 19 ACAs in the lower troposphere were identified.Relevant ACAs may be useful in constructing regional monsoon and circulation indices.
