Determination of the Occurrence of Atmospheric Blockings over the Caspian Sea Region in Winters of 1959–2022 and Their Influence on the Ice Regime of the Northern Caspian Sea

The frequency of atmospheric blockings (ABs) in the winters of 1959–2022 and their impact on the ice cover of the northern Caspian Sea have been evaluated. ERA5 reanalysis is used, incorporating data from hydrometeorological stations in the Caspian region. It is found that air temperatures during blockings are lower than when blockings are absent. A significant relationship exists for the Caspian region between the decrease in the frequency of ABs, the sum of negative air temperatures, and ice cover thickness.