The "Mike" Polar Low Case Study

To anticipate the formation of the polar low. To establish the nature of the low from satellite imagery and observations, and to draw further information e.g. about wind speed from this. To anticipate propagation speed and direction. To forecast the dissipation of a polar low.

Level of knowledge/experience equivalent to (or greater than) bench forecaster.

Navigating this Module

This module will take you through a polar low event as if you were forecasting for the area. Each section will take the form of a question or series of questions, to address each stage of the forecasting process through the event. We recommend that you begin with the introductory section, by clicking on the first blue box, then progressing through the next sections in order.

Our story begins in the Norwegian Sea on 5th February 2001. The case study has become known as the Mike Low... you will find out why as you go through the challenges.

To learn more about polar lows, there is an extensive list of specially compiled reference texts linked to the module at every stage. There are also a number of direct links to take you to other sites which contain information or additional training material on the subject.

A summary of the whole case study is presented in the final section.