Explosive Cyclogenesis in Extratropical Weather Systems
Summary
Explosive cyclogenesis, often termed “bomb” development, denotes a rapid deepening of an extratropical cyclone’s central pressure by at least 24 hPa in 24 hours. These systems arise from intense baroclinic instability along strong temperature gradients, commonly in mid-latitude storm tracks over the North Atlantic, North Pacific and Southern Ocean. Interaction between upper-level jet streaks and surface baroclinicity fosters vigorous ascent, while moist-adiabatic processes and latent heat release amplify low-pressure development. Air–sea exchanges, notably over warm ocean currents, supply heat and moisture that enhance convective overturning and latent heating within frontal zones. Explosive cyclones play a key role in global energy redistribution and can produce hurricane-force winds, torrential rainfall and coastal storm surges, posing risks to infrastructure, ecosystems and societies. Recent evidence suggests an upward trend in the intensity and occurrence of these events, underscoring the need for improved understanding of their dynamics and predictability in a changing climate.
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Explosive Cyclogenesis in Extratropical Weather Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in explosive cyclogenesis in extratropical weather systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Explosive cyclogenesis: Rapid intensification of a mid-latitude cyclone defined by a pressure drop of ≥ 24 hPa in 24 hours.
Baroclinicity: The state of an atmosphere in which surfaces of constant pressure intersect surfaces of constant density, promoting cyclone development.
Latent heat release: Heat liberated during condensation of water vapour, which enhances buoyancy and vertical motion within a storm.
Potential vorticity (PV): A conserved quantity combining rotation and stratification, used to diagnose dynamic processes in cyclone evolution.
Storm track: Preferred pathways of extratropical cyclones where baroclinic zones and jet streams coincide, guiding cyclone trajectories.
References
- Increasing risks of the explosive extratropical cyclones over the North Atlantic storm track: a perspective from their surface wind maxima. Environmental Research Letters (2024).
- Explosive Cyclone Impact on the Power Distribution Grid in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Climate (2024).
- A high‐resolution climatological study of explosive cyclones in the Mediterranean region: Frequency, intensity and synoptic drivers. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society (2024).
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