ON THE KEY REGIONS OF 500 hPa GEOPOTENTIAL HEIGHTS OVER NORTHERN HEMISPHERE IN WINTER

Variance analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis methods are applied to analyze the variation of circulation at 500 hPa. In winter, there are three regions (180°E –C 150°W, 45°N –C 60°N, 70°W –C 100 °W，45°N –C 75°N, 60°E –C 100°E, 65°N –C 80°N) whose variations are strong. Those regions are the key regions in which atmospheric circulation can change. Those regions are correlated to some teleconnections and can present a part of variations of 500 hPa to some degree. The linear contemporary correlation between those regions and the height at 500 hPa is significant. Those regions can account for 88 % of variations of concurrent height at 500 hPa. Those regions can present and forecast some variations to some degree in March and April. The longer the time interval, the worse the forecast effect will be. The interannual variations of Q1, Q2 and the SST are weak in the western Pacific.