Tropospheric jet streams in the Antarctic

A characteristic feature of atmospheric circulation in the Antarctic is an intensive jet stream between the subtropical high‐pressude belt and the low‐pressure zone. Jet streams can be observed at any time of the year and are generally associated with cyclonic activity. The most common jet‐stream directions are out of the northwest (65%) and out of the northeast (28%). In most cases, cyclones are located to the right of the jet‐stream axis. Observations at Molodezhnaya station suggest that winds rise to storm force and visibility deteriorates within 10 to 12 hours after the appearance of a jet stream above the station.