Extreme Greenland blocking and high‐latitude moisture transport

Abstract

Blocked atmospheric flows over Greenland and the North Atlantic Arctic (NAA) can be defined by the appearance of an anomalous ridge, many times off the western margin of continents, that deflects traveling cyclones from their usual storm tracks. Atmospheric blocking often produces a strong equatorward deflection of polar air on the eastern flank of the anticyclone, including severe cold episodes in winter, and severe droughts and heat waves in summer. Recent changes in low‐frequency atmospheric circulation in the NAA have increased sensible heat and moisture advection from the mid‐latitudes into this region. In this study, we explore the frequency and seasonality of extreme Greenland blocking, and we explore the relationship between extreme blocking and moisture transport into and over the region.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 16, 2020
Source ID
10.1002/asl.1002

Entities

People

  • Bradford S Barrett
  • Erin Mcdonnell
  • Gina R. Henderson
  • Major Henry
  • Thomas Mote

Organizations

  • Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program
  • United States Naval Academy
  • University of Georgia

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.