Convergence zone

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Convergence zone usually refers to a region in the atmosphere where two prevailing flows meet and interact, usually resulting in distinctive weather conditions.

An example of a convergence zone is the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a low pressure area which girdles the Earth at the Equator. Another example is the South Pacific convergence zone that extends from the western Pacific Ocean toward French Polynesia.

A smaller example of a convergence zone occurs in the Puget Sound region, known as the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. This happens when winds in the upper atmosphere are split by the Olympic Mountains. The winds then converge beyond the mountains, producing convection uplift that results in the development of clouds and even stormy weather.

Convergence zones can also be associated with sea breeze fronts.