Rossby, Carl-Gustaf Arvid -

(1898-1957): Swedish-American meterologist. He studied the wind field of the upper atmosphere using balloons and established circumpolar westerly winds at high altitudes in the polar front zone. When these winds are strong they cause a familiar sequence of cyclones and anticyclones in high temperate latitudes. However, when these winds are weak polar air can penetrate into low latitudes (i.e. jet stream control). His name is associated with “Rossby waves,” the circumpolar sinusoidal air currents found around a sequence of high and low pressure centers and commonly pegged on the Icelandic and Aleutian low-pressure areas.