Chen et al. (2026) A database of objectively identified atmospheric rivers based on a multi-method fusion algorithm

Identification

• Journal: Earth system science data
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-07-24
• Authors: H T Chen, Jian Rao, Seok‐Woo Son, Bin Guan, Mengxin Pan
• DOI: 10.5194/essd-18-5357-2026

Research Groups

• State Key Laboratory of Environment Characteristics and Effects for Near-space, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
• School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University
• Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
• Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University

Short Summary

This paper proposes a multi-method fusion algorithm for objectively identifying atmospheric rivers (ARs) on a global scale. The algorithm integrates advanced strategies from multiple existing algorithms and introduces a dual-axis test method to enhance the stability of AR identification.

Objective

• To develop an improved algorithm for identifying ARs that can better account for moisture transport characteristics in high latitudes with relatively low water vapor and in low latitudes where trade wind easterlies-related zonal moisture transport is common.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Global scale, with a horizontal resolution of 1° × 1°.
• Temporal Scale: Six-hourly temporal resolution for the period from 1940 to 2024.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: ERA5 reanalysis data.
• Data sources: Satellite, observation, and reanalysis data.

Main Results

• The proposed algorithm exhibits strong agreement with established AR databases in mid-latitude ocean basins where ARs are most active.
• The new AR database helps to reduce the uncertainty in AR identification and to better understand extreme events and their variations in time and space.

Contributions

• This study contributes to the development of a more robust and reliable algorithm for identifying ARs, which can help to improve our understanding of the role of ARs in shaping regional climate and weather patterns.
• The proposed algorithm can be used to identify ARs on a global scale, which is essential for understanding the impact of ARs on different regions.

Funding

• This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41875066) and the Ministry of Education of China (Grant No. IRT17R71).

Citation

@article{Chen2026database,
  author = {Chen, H T and Rao, Jian and Son, Seok‐Woo and Guan, Bin and Pan, Mengxin},
  title = {A database of objectively identified atmospheric rivers based on a multi-method fusion algorithm},
  journal = {Earth system science data},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.5194/essd-18-5357-2026},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-5357-2026}
}