Classification of cyclogenesis over Apennine mountains and Adriatic Sea

Cyclones that form or move over the Adriatic Sea are often associated with severe winds along the Croatian coastline. Despite their association with severe weather conditions, such as the bura and jugo, the formation and/or movement of cyclones over the Adriatic Sea is relatively unexplored. The aim of this study is to document the predominant locations of cyclogenesis and track patterns for cyclones that affect the Croatian coastline. Preliminary results indicate that four types of cyclones exist: (1) Type A: cyclones which initially form over the Adriatic Sea; (2) Type B: cyclones that initially form over the Gulf of Genoa and move over the Apennine mountains toward the Adriatic Sea. These cyclones may have either a continuous track (Type B-I) or discontinuous track (Type B-II) as they cross over the Apennine mountains; (3) Type AB: mixed type A and type B cyclones. In this category, there exist two cyclones (i.e. twin or eyeglasses cyclones) that straddle the Apennine mountains; and (4) Type C: cyclones coming from Mediterranean Sea, but not from the Gulf of Genoa (non-Genoa cyclones). As Type B cyclones, these cyclones may have either a continuous (Type C-I) or discontinuous (Type C-II) track as they cross the Apennines. The relevant dynamics of the above types of cyclones are discussed along with characteristics of the cyclones and their synoptic situations at lower, middle, and upper levels of the troposphere.