On the Existence of Summer Shamal Wind Induced by the Zagros Mountains in the Middle East

Abstract

A new structure is proposed to explain the mechanism governing the summer Shamal wind (SSW) formation in the Middle East (ME). Here, the irreplaceable role of the Zagros Mountains (ZAG) as the primary driver of a localized atmospheric circulation over the ME has been clarified. We show that the SSW is mainly established and maintained due to the local forcing of the ZAG. A background low‐level easterly flow dominates on the east side of the ZAG which is basically from Turkmenistan Anticyclone. The flow in association with a vertical heat advection over the ZAG while generating Iran anticyclone (IA) in the middle troposphere, develops so‐called regional atmospheric circulation over the ME. As a part of the localized circulation, descending air from IA establishes the Arabian anticyclone‐Zagros Trough coupling pattern over Mesopotamia. This coupling pattern is the significant driver of SSW and its induced dust storms over the ME.