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Synoptic scale atmospheric wave break down at 500 hPa over Europe during cold seasons

Abrupte Veränderungen der atmosphärischen Zirkulation im synoptischen Scalebereich über Europa während der kalten Jahreszeiten

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Summary

In this paper the synoptic scale atmospheric wave break down in Europe is studied with the aid of the evolution of the 500 hPa and surface chart flow patterns. Specifically all the troughs found in the European region during the ten year period 1970–1979 had a trough line length greater than 10° latitude — these were examined. So the meteorological factors governing the trough disruption procedure were discovered. The computation of the numerical values of these factors and their subsequent grouping led to the drawing of two diagrams, which provide the likelihood of a trough disruption prediction for 24 hours ahead. Also it became apparent that there are two types of trough disruption, which are closely associated with either the formation of new anticyclones, leading often to cold outbreaks or the generation of cut off lows at 500 hPa being linked with well developed depressions at the surface. Finally some actual examples showing both types of trough disruption are presented and discussed for a better understanding of the whole process studied.

Zusammenfassung

Anhand einer zehnjährigen Periode (1970–1979) wurde die Aufspaltung von Trögen im 500 hPa-Niveau in einen nördlichen und in einen südlichen Teil (Unterbrechung der Troglinie) mit dem Ziel, derartige Änderungen in der synoptischen Zirkulation kurzfristig vorherzusagen, untersucht. Mit Hilfe von zwei entwickelten Diagrammen, in die charakteristische Parameter eingehen, kann die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Troglinienunterbrechung für 24 Stunden im voraus angegeben werden. Die Untersuchung zeigt, daß zwischen einer antizyklonalen bzw. zyklonalen Unterbrechung der Troglinie zu unterscheiden ist, je nach der antizyklonalen Entwicklung stromauf- oder stromabwärts von der Troglinie. Von 960 untersuchten Trögen im 500 hPa-Niveau sind 87 Fälle einer anti zyklonalen und 38 Fäle einer zyklonalen Unterbrechung zuzuordnen, wobei 75 Fälle (aus beiden Klassen) zu einem “cut-off low” führen. Abschließend demonstrieren noch zwei Fallstudien die beiden Unterbrechungsmechanismen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hellenic National Meteorologic Service, P.O. Box 73502, GR-166 03, Helliniko Athens, Greece

    N. G. Prezerakos

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  1. N. G. Prezerakos
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Prezerakos, N.G. Synoptic scale atmospheric wave break down at 500 hPa over Europe during cold seasons. Arch. Met. Geoph. Biocl. A. 34, 145–158 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02277444

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02277444

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