The main characteristics of atmospheric circulation over East-Central Europe from 1871 to 2010

Abstract

The main objective of the paper concerns the determination of the annual and multi-annual variability of air flow over East-Central Europe in the period 1871-2010. Daily mean sea-level pressure and values of physical quantities provided the basis for distinguishing 27 circulation types, i.e., eight directional cyclonic, transitional, and anticyclonic types, and one non-directional cyclonic, anticyclonic, and an undefined type. Over the area of EastCentral Europe, the highest frequency is recorded for air flow from the western sector, with a maximum in the period from December to January. In spring, a higher than average frequency of cyclonic and easterly circulation is observed, and in summer-anticyclonic and northerly. Increased zonal circulation was recorded in the years 1910-1930, and particularly after 1970, and eastern at the end of the nineteenth century and in the 1930s and 1940s. An increase in the frequency of days with non-directional anticyclonic type and westerly air flow, and a simultaneous decrease in frequency of days with south-easterly and easterly circulation were observed throughout the study period. Among the three classes of circulation types, the highest persistence (particularly in winter) was recorded for anticyclonic types, i.e., when the high pressure system occurred over the Scandinavian Peninsula or East Europe.

The influence of atmospheric circulation conditions on Betula and Alnus pollen concentrations in Wrocław, Poland

“…The results of trend analysis for the frequency of circulation types correspond to earlier conclusions about changes in the air circulation frequency for East and Central Europe presented by Bartoszek (2017) for the period of 1871-2010. A direct comparison is impossible because of differences in the applied circulation types' classifications; however, Bartoszek (2017) has also shown an increasing tendency towards anticyclonic types' occurrence, which is indicated in this work as favourable to high Alnus and Betula concentrations. Still, studies by Hanewinkel et al (2012) or Dyderski et al (2017) have come to the conclusion of a decrease in the distribution range of birch.…”

The influence of atmospheric circulation on bioclimatic conditions in Lublin (Poland)

“…The circulation indicators were also the basis of the author's classification of circulation types over Eastern-Central Europe (Bartoszek 2015, 2017. The classification differentiates between 8 directional cyclonic, transitional and anticyclonic types, and three non-directional types: cyclonic, anticyclonic, and undefined.…”

The atmospheric circulation conditions of the occurrence of heatwaves in Lublin, southeast Poland

“…Data from NCEP/NCAR reanalyses were used in the construction of the maps (Kalnay et al, 1996). In addition, the circulation conditions associated with heatwaves were analysed on the basis of the first author's classification of circulation types over East-Central Europe (Bartoszek, 2017). The determination of the direction of air flow and non-directional patterns (pure cyclonic/anticyclonic and undefined types) was based on procedures defined by Jenkinson and Collison (1977) and Jones et al (1993).…”