Dynamical links between polar and midlatitude atmospheres

The Arctic climate system has warmed dramatically over the past few decades, and some have suggested that these changes are already affecting the mid-latitude jet streams which control much of our weather. However, the resulting scientific debate has revealed that much remains to be understood of the basic physics by which the mid and high latitude regions of the atmosphere interact. This project will be based on some classical statistical analysis of weather patterns in the mid-latitude storm track region. By extending this work to higher latitudes, we will determine the structures associated with weather patterns at different latitudes. We will then be able to relate these to theories for the waves underlying these weather patterns. The results are hoped to shed light on some recent high-impact events, which featured persistent atmospheric anomalies in the polar regions and a wavy and disturbed jet stream further south. As well as improved understanding of fundamental atmospheric dynamics, the results should be of use for the weather forecasting and climate prediction communities.