Polarwirbel

Polarwirbel, also known as a polar vortex, is a large-scale cyclone located near one or both of a planet's geographical poles. On Earth, the polar vortices are located in the middle and upper troposphere and the stratosphere. They surround the polar highs and lie in the wake of the polar front. These cold-core low-pressure areas strengthen in the winter and weaken in the summer due to their dependence on the temperature difference between the equator and the poles. The polar vortex in the Northern Hemisphere is typically centered over the Arctic, while the Southern Hemisphere's vortex is centered over the Antarctic.

Polar vortices are strongest during the winter and can cause significant weather disruptions. In the Northern Hemisphere, a weakened polar vortex can lead to cold air outbreaks, where frigid Arctic air moves southward, affecting regions like the United States and Europe. This can result in unusually cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Conversely, a strong polar vortex tends to keep cold air confined to the polar regions.

The polar vortex in the Southern Hemisphere is less well-known due to its remote location and the lack of landmass in Antarctica. However, it can also influence weather patterns, particularly in the Southern Ocean and surrounding continents.

The term "polar vortex" was popularized by the media in the early 2014, when an unusually strong polar vortex led to extremely cold temperatures in the Eastern United States. The phenomenon has since been the subject of numerous studies and media reports, highlighting its impact on global weather patterns.