Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3404
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3404
11 Nov 2024
 | 11 Nov 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Weather and Climate Dynamics (WCD).

Detection and global climatology of two types of cyclone clustering

Chris Weijenborg and Thomas Spengler

Abstract. Cyclone clustering, the swift succession of multiple extratropical cyclones during a short period of time, is often associated with weather extremes and characterised by a strong atmospheric jet and enhanced baroclinicity. While several diagnostics exist to detect cyclone clustering, most focus on a regional impact. We introduce a novel global detection for cyclone clustering, inspired by the original idea of cyclone families by Bjerknes and Solberg, in which individual cyclones follow a similar track. We further subdivide cyclone clusters into two types, a 'Bjerknes' type and a stagnant type. The former is associated with cyclones that follow each other over a minimum distance, whereas the stagnant type requires a proximity over time while these cyclones do not move much in space.

We find that cyclone clustering is most frequent along the storm tracks, with more cyclone clustering during winter compared to summer. The majority of cyclone clustering occurs just south of the main storm tracks in the Atlantic and Pacific basins. In the Southern Hemisphere, most cyclone clustering is found in the South-Indian Ocean. Bjerknes type cyclone clustering is associated with stronger cyclones compared to non-clustered cyclones, while for the stagnant type this intensity difference is less pronounced. This effect is strongest for the North Atlantic and North Pacific, while clustered cyclones in the South Indian Ocean are generally not much stronger. The cyclone intensity within the Bjerknes type does not decrease during a cluster, while in contrast secondary cyclones of the stagnant type are significantly weaker than primary cyclones. This suggests that these two types of cyclone clustering are dynamically different.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Chris Weijenborg and Thomas Spengler

Status: open (until 23 Dec 2024)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
Chris Weijenborg and Thomas Spengler
Chris Weijenborg and Thomas Spengler

Viewed

Total article views: 152 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
130 14 8 152 1 2
  • HTML: 130
  • PDF: 14
  • XML: 8
  • Total: 152
  • BibTeX: 1
  • EndNote: 2
Views and downloads (calculated since 11 Nov 2024)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 11 Nov 2024)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 148 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 148 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 13 Dec 2024
Download
Short summary
The swift succession of storms, referred to as cyclone clustering, is often associated with weather extremes. We introduce a detection scheme for these events and subdivide these into two types. One type is associated with storms that follow each other in space, whereas the other type requires a proximity over time. Cyclone clustering is more frequent during winter and the first type is associated with stronger storms, suggesting that the two types emerge due to different mechanisms.