Distribution of upper tropical cirrus in relation to tropical easterly jet

The role of redistribution of the tropical upper tropospheric humidity (UTH) in the formation of tropical cirrus (TC) is studied using three years (2006-2008) of data from the CALIOP, MLS and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. Results show that the redistribution of UTH from a highly convective zone to the Indian peninsular region leads to the formation of the TC. Advection of upper layer humidity is caused by the tropical easterly jet (TEJ) associated with the Asian Summer Monsoon. Thus for the first time, the role of TEJ in redistribution of UTH and consequently in the formation of TC is investigated.