The South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ): a review

Abstract

The circulation features associated with the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) and its accompanying cloud band are reviewed and discussed. The paper focuses on the following topics: location, structure, and characteristics of the SPCZ; theories and observations concerning its existence: the significance and scope of the SPCZ in global-scale circulation patterns; quasi-periodic changes in its location and strength; and synoptic scale features within its regional influence (e.g. cyclones, subtropical jets). It concludes with some challenging problems for the future. -Author