IMPMCT: a dataset of Integrated Multi-source Polar Mesoscale Cyclone Tracks in the Nordic Seas

Abstract

Polar Mesoscale Cyclones (PMCs), particularly their intense subset known as Polar Lows (PLs), characterized by short lifespans of 3-36 h and horizontal scales below 1000 km, pose significant hazards to polar maritime activities due to extreme winds exceeding 15 m s-1 and wave heights surpassing 11 m. These intense weather systems play a critical role in modulating sea-ice dynamics and ocean-atmosphere heat exchange. However, current understanding remains constrained by sparse observational records and an overreliance on single data sources (e.g., remote sensing or reanalysis). To address these gaps, this study presents the Integrated Multi-source Polar Mesoscale Cyclone Tracks (IMPMCT) dataset, a comprehensive 24-year (2001-2024) record of wintertime (November-April) PMCs for the Nordic Seas. The IMPMCT dataset was created by combining vortex-tracking algorithms applied to ERA5 reanalysis data with a deep learning-based method for detecting cyclonic cloud features in Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) infrared imagery. It also incorporates near-surface wind data from Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) and Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) measurements. The dataset contains 1110 vortex tracks, 16 001 cyclonic cloud features including length, width, position and morphological characteristics (spiral/comma shape), and 4472 wind speed records (wind vector imagery and cyclone maximum winds). Corresponding ERA5-derived hourly vortex tracks are also provided, including 850 hPa vorticity and proximate sea-level pressure minima. Validation demonstrates statistical agreement with existing PLs track datasets while providing more complete cyclone life cycle trajectories, more intuitive cloud imagery visualization, and a richer set of parameters compared to previous datasets. As the most comprehensive PMCs archive for the Nordic Seas, the IMPMCT dataset provides fundamental data for advancing our understanding of the genesis and intensification mechanisms, enables the development of enhanced monitoring and early warning systems, supports the validation and refinement of polar numerical weather prediction models, and facilitates improved risk assessment and safety protocols for maritime operations. The dataset is available at 10.5281/zenodo.17142448 (Fang and Ding, 2025).