Atmospheric classifications and synoptic climatology

Abstract

Methods of classifying the atmospheric circulation into pressure patterns or types are reviewed. These classifications are divided into three main categories according to the system of classification used by climatologists. The advantages and limitations of each classification approach are discussed. The Kirchhofer classification scheme shows more advantages than the others, whilst the subjective schemes showed considerable limitations and difficulties in their formulation and in the evaluation of their climatic patterns. The multistage classification could have considerable utility and application in the future.