Key Parameters

  • Potential Vorticity on an isentropic surface.
    PV distribution shows a long narrow elongated zone of high PV values, associated with a Dark Stripe in the WV imagery. Local maxima occur in this elongated zone, connected to the cyclonic centre of the vortex.
  • Geopotential Height at 500/300 hPa
    In the large scale geopotential height field a flow can often be seen which is non-zonal. The WV vortex is located in a region where a smaller trough is superimposed on the large scale trough. The geopotential height pattern at 500 hPa shows a small scale trough. At 300 hPa a small scale low can often be found with some enclosed contours.
  • Windspeed 300 hPa
    The WV Vortex is often located on the cyclonic side of a minor jetstreak, located on the southern (warm) side of the polar jet stream
  • Vorticity at 500/300 hPa
    WV Vortex is accompanied by a distinct Relative Vorticity maximum at middle and upper troposphere.
  • Stretching Deformation
    The WV vortex is often generated within an area of positive stretching deformation maximum.

Potential Vorticity on an isentropic surface
13 January 2008/18.00 UTC - Meteosat WV 6.2 image; magenta: potential vorticity 315K

Geopotential Height at 500 and 300 hPa
13 January 2008/18.00 UTC - Meteosat WV 6.2 image; cyan: geopotential height 500 hPa

Windspeed 300 and 250 hPa
13 January 2008/18.00 UTC - Meteosat WV 6.2 image; yellow: isotachs 300 hPa

Vorticity at 500 and 300 hPa
13 January 2008/18.00 UTC - Meteosat WV 6.2 image; cyan: relative vorticity 500 hPa

Stretching Deformation 500 and 300 hPa
13 January 2008/18.00 UTC - Meteosat WV 6.2 image; stretching deformation 500 hPa, red: positive, blue: negative