Climatological Study on Cyclone Genesis and Tracks in Southern Brazil from 1979 to 2019

• Published in: Atmosphere
• Main Authors: Bruna Alves Oliveira Destéfani, Micael Fernando Broggio, Carlos Alberto Eiras Garcia
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2025
• Subjects: extratropical cyclones; atmospheric circulation; climatic variability; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16010092

This study investigates cyclone dynamics and impacts in the Southwestern Atlantic, with a focus on their effects on southern Brazil. As climate change intensifies coastal vulnerability, understanding cyclone behavior has become essential. Using the TRACK and cycloTRACK algorithms, we examined cyclone trajectories and cyclogenesis densities from 1979 to 2019 to analyze seasonal and spatial patterns shaped by large-scale atmospheric circulations, including the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO). The analysis explores trends in cyclone activity across various temporal and spatial scales, identifying key regions of cyclogenesis and trajectory density. Results indicate that the cycloTRACK algorithm is more effective at tracking more intense and consistent cyclones, excluding weaker systems. Seasonal patterns suggest variability in cyclone formation, likely associated with atmospheric instability and ocean–atmosphere interactions. While trends reveal an increase in cyclone passages in southern Brazil, these systems are strongly associated with extreme climatic events in the region, including coastal storms, intense precipitation, strong winds, and high waves. By clarifying cyclone dynamics and seasonal patterns, this study enhances our understanding of cyclone behavior and contributes to improved assessments of regional climate resilience in southern Brazil.