Interactive 3-D visual analysis of ERA5 data: improving diagnostic indices for marine cold air outbreaks and polar lows

Abstract. Recent advances in visual data analysis are well suited to gain insights into dynamical processes the atmosphere. We apply novel methods for three-dimensional (3-D) interactive investigate marine cold air outbreaks (MCAOs) and polar lows (PLs) recently released ERA5 reanalysis data. Our study aims at revealing 3-D perspectives on MCAOs PLs improving diagnostic indices capture these weather events long-term assessments seasonal climatological timescales. Using an extended version of open-source visualization framework Met.3D, we explore structure dynamics relate previously used indices. Motivated by selected MCAO PL cases, conceptualize alternative index variants that vertical extent their distance tropopause. The new evaluated, along with indices, a focus skill as proxy occurrence PLs. Testing association observed Barents Nordic seas years 2002–2011 shows based masses more skilful distinguishing times locations PLs, compared conventional sea–air temperature difference only. thus propose using diagnostics further analyses climate predictions studies. applied here available tool can be generically atmospheric other gridded meteorological