SPCZs

SPCZs, or Subpolar Cyclones, are large, persistent, low-pressure systems that form over the ocean in the subpolar regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the North Atlantic, they are often referred to as "Keweenaw cyclones" or "Icelandic Lows," while in the North Pacific, they are known as "Aleutian Lows." Southern Hemisphere SPCZs are typically found over the Southern Ocean.

These cyclones are characterized by their large size, often spanning hundreds or even thousands of kilometers in diameter, and their tendency to remain quasi-stationary for extended periods, sometimes weeks. Unlike tropical cyclones which draw energy from warm ocean waters, SPCZs derive their energy from the temperature contrast between warm air masses from lower latitudes and cold air masses from polar regions. They are also influenced by the interaction of ocean currents and atmospheric disturbances.

SPCZs play a significant role in regional weather patterns. They can steer storm tracks, influence precipitation amounts, and contribute to extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding. Their persistent nature can also impact oceanographic conditions, including sea surface temperature and ocean circulation. The study of SPCZs is crucial for understanding climate variability and improving weather forecasting in the mid- and high-latitude regions where they predominantly occur.