A CASE STUDY OF THE WINTER CIRCULATION AT 700 AND 500 MB IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SOUTHERN LATITUDES

Abstract

Synoptic chart data for the Southern Hemisphere south of 30°S (excluding the Pacific sector) are examined for the winter of 1962 in relation to the frequency of cyclones and anticyclones at the 700- and 500-mb levels. Regions of high cyclonic frequency are noted and aspects of those in the eastern Ross Sea and in Prydz Bay are discussed. Cyclonic frequency over east Antarctica is very low, but clearly defined anticyclones at 500 mb are apparent on 1day in 6 over the highlands close to 80°S, 60°E. The longitudinal frequency of prominent troughs and ridges and some aspects of the pattern of cyclogenesis for this period are described.