Convergence zone

For other uses, see Convergence.
Mesoscale sea breezes in Cuba converge from both coasts to form lines of cumulus.

A convergence zone in meteorology is a region in the atmosphere where two prevailing flows meet and interact, usually resulting in distinctive weather conditions.[1] This causes a mass accumulation that eventually leads to a vertical movement and to the formation of clouds and precipitation.[1] Large-scale convergence, called synoptic-scale convergence, is associated with weather systems such as baroclinic troughs, low-pressure areas, and cyclones. The large-scale convergence zone formed over the equator, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, has condensed and intensified as a result of the global increase in temperature.[2] Small-scale convergence will give phenomena from isolated cumulus clouds to large areas of thunderstorms.

The inverse of convergence is divergence, such as the horse latitudes.

  1. ^ a b LEUNG Wai-hung (June 2010). "Meteorology Basics: Convergence and Divergence". Hong Kong Observatory. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
  2. ^ Byrne, Michael P.; Pendergrass, Angeline G.; Rapp, Anita D.; Wodzicki, Kyle R. (2018). "Response of the Intertropical Convergence Zone to Climate Change: Location, Width, and Strength". Current Climate Change Reports 4: 355-370. doi:10.1007/s40641-018-0110-5