Vortex splitting in the stratosphere by sub planetary-scale cyclogenesis in the troposphere, and some other thoughts about the dynamics of stratospheric sudden warmings

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• Professor Alan O'Neill, Reading University
• Monday 30 November 2015, 14:15-15:15
• Unilever Lecture Theatre, Department of Chemistry.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Paul Griffiths.

One of the most rapid and dramatic dynamical events occurring in the stratosphere is the splitting of the polar vortex, a structure that dominates the mid winter circulation. When the vortex splits, chemical species, such as ozone, are transported over great distance from the equator to the pole and mixed together. The phenomenon has intrigued dynamical meteorologists for some time, and ideas have been put forward to explain it, typically involving the generation and upward propagation of so-called planetary waves from the troposphere. I propose something different: that sub-planetary scale cyclones – weather systems, the effects of which are normally confined to the troposphere – can in fact do the job under particular conditions. I contrast the dynamical behaviour with other classes of so-called stratospheric sudden warmings, and comment on matters of atmospheric predictability at the time of such events.

This talk is part of the Centre for Atmospheric Science seminars, Chemistry Dept. series.

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