Cyclones in the Mediterranean Region: Climatology and Effects on the Environment

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the evolution of research on cyclones in the Mediterranean region and their role on climate. The dynamics responsible for the formation and evolution of Mediterranean cyclones, the datasets available for their analysis, the methods for the cyclone identification, and the evaluation of the intensity of the cyclonic activity are also described in the chapter. The chapter discusses the climatology of cyclones, their characteristic spatial scales, seasonality, area, and genesis mechanisms; the relation between cyclonic activity and large-scale climate patterns; and the observed trends. The chapter describes the effects of cyclones on the Mediterranean environment, including their role on precipitation, winds, storm surge, ocean waves, and landslides. In the chapter, a description of the mechanism explaining the effects of cyclones on the specific phenomenon is presented and climate trends are discussed. The chapter reviews the available knowledge on cyclones and on their effects in the Mediterranean region.

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