The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) is a diagonal band of intense rainfall and deep atmospheric convection extending from the equator to the subtropical South Pacific. Displacement of the SPCZ causes variability in rainfall, tropical-cyclone activity and sea level that affects South Pacific island populations and surrounding ecosystems. In this Review, we synthesize recent advances in understanding the physical mechanisms responsible for the SPCZ location and orientation, its interactions with the principal drivers of tropical climate variability, regional and global effects of the SPCZ and its response to anthropogenic climate change. Emerging insight is beginning to provide a coherent description of the character and variability of the SPCZ over synoptic, intraseasonal, interannual and longer timescales. For example, the diagonal orientation of the SPCZ and its natural variability are both the result of a subtle chain of interactions between the tropical and extratropical atmosphere, forced and modulated by the underlying sea surface temperature gradients. However, persistent biases in, and deficiencies of, existing models limit confidence in future projections. Improved climate models and new methods for regional modelling might better constrain future SPCZ projections, aiding climate change adaptation and planning among vulnerable South Pacific communities.

南太平洋汇聚区（SPCZ）是一条强降雨和深对流的对角带，从赤道一直延伸到亚热带南太平洋。SPCZ的位移导致降雨，热带气旋活动和海平面的变化，从而影响南太平洋岛屿人口和周围的生态系统。在本综述中，我们综合了在理解造成SPCZ位置和方向的物理机制，其与热带气候变率的主要驱动因素的相互作用，SPCZ的区域和全球影响以及其对人为气候变化的响应方面的最新进展。新兴的见识开始提供有关SPCZ在天气，季节内，年际和更长的时间尺度上的特征和变化的连贯描述。例如，SPCZ的对角线方向及其自然变异性都是热带和温带大气之间微妙的相互作用链的结果，这些相互作用是由潜在海平面温度梯度强迫和调节的。但是，对现有模型的持续偏见和不足限制了对未来预测的信心。改进的气候模型和用于区域建模的新方法可能会更好地限制SPCZ的未来预测，帮助脆弱的南太平洋社区适应气候变化和进行规划。现有模型限制了对未来预测的信心。改进的气候模型和用于区域建模的新方法可能会更好地限制SPCZ的未来预测，帮助脆弱的南太平洋社区适应气候变化和进行规划。现有模型限制了对未来预测的信心。改进的气候模型和用于区域建模的新方法可能会更好地限制SPCZ的未来预测，帮助脆弱的南太平洋社区适应气候变化和进行规划。