Classification of atmospheric processes over the South China Sea

The classification is made of atmospheric circulation over the South China Sea water area for the period from 2000 to 2008 on the basis of daily surface synoptic charts taking account of the movement of cyclones and location of anticyclones. Three typical situations are marked out: low-gradient field, low-gradient field with the strong wind in the north of the sea, and the tropical cyclone appearance including three subtypes (the cyclone in the north, at the center, and in the south of the sea). The repeatability, continuity, and duration of the action of the types of atmospheric processes are computed as well as their seasonal and interannual variability.