Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: NDTV
Context: In a surprising turn of events, scientists observed the Arctic’s polar vortex spinning in the opposite direction, marking one of the six strongest occurrences of its kind since 1979.
- The polar vortex is a massive spinning wheel of freezing cold air that forms high in the atmosphere near the North Pole, held together by a strong west-to-east wind current.
- This wind current, often referred to as the polar night jet, can reach speeds comparable to a Category 5 hurricane.
- The reversal in the vortex’s direction was attributed to “Sudden Stratospheric Warming events,” which caused an influx of ozone from lower latitudes around the Arctic.
About Polar Vortex:
The polar vortex is a large, persistent circulation of frigid air located in the stratosphere and typically centred near the Earth’s poles.
It is characterized by a strong wind current that circulates from west to east, trapping cold air within the polar regions during the winter months.
The polar vortex plays a crucial role in maintaining the polar climate and can influence weather patterns in mid-latitude regions.
Occasionally, disruptions in the polar vortex can occur, leading to phenomena such as sudden stratospheric warming events, which can result in shifts in weather patterns and colder temperatures in regions outside of the polar areas.
