PHYS 106L Chapter 10: Mid-Latitude Cyclones
Document Summary
Norwegian polar front theory provides a model for mid-latitude cyclone development. Cyclones form along a stationary front dividing a warm subtropical air mass from a cold polar air mass. The air masses have different densities and move in opposite directions on either side of the front, creating a wave. This wave may amplify and allow warm air to penetrate poleward and allow cold air to penetrate equatorward. This causes a low pressure center to develop along the wave, where warm air is forced upward along the cold and warm fronts and close to the low pressure center. Since cold fronts typically advance faster than warm fronts, the warm air sector is. This marks the most intense stage of the mid-latitude cyclone. Characterized by progressively lifted from the surface and an occluded front forms minimum cloud cover and precipitation, and the steepest pressure gradient. As air mass contrasts diminish, the storm dissipates.
