EUMeTrain: Case Study Rapid (Lee)Cyclogenesis Iceland 16-19 Oct 2004

Meteorological Physical Background

These two theories can be applied to explain the cyclogenesis event in this case study.


  • The Hoskins theory based on PV and PV anomalies
    In this study in the beginning the first signs of the existence of a upper- PV anomaly could be seen in the WV 6.2 imagery. It was also clear that this anomaly was interacting with a low-level baroclinic zone which was a former old frontal zone. The process of mutual interaction eventually leaded to the development of a intense surface cyclone.


  • Orographic lee cyclogenesis
    The orography of Iceland might also have played a role in the typical stationary development. The modelfields show the presence of a lee-trough at the southeastern side.

    It seems that the phase-locking of the stationary deepening upper level trough and the lee-trough was favorable for a rapid development.