Frontal Weather Flashcards
What is a front?
A boundary separating two air masses of different densities.
What factors determine the type and amount of weather at fronts?
Amount and rate of ascent of warm air mass
Stability of warm air mass
Moisture content of warm air mass
True or False?
The ascent is the least near the frontal wave, especially when the low is deepening.
False, ascent is greatest near frontal waves.
What cloud types do stable, unstable and conditionally unstable produce?
Layered, convective and layered with embedded convective cloud
If the air is moist through a deep layer, _____ clouds will form.
Thick
Describe a warm front moist stable situation.
Think types and characteristics of clouds
Extensive cloud layers
Sequence of cloud types: CI, CS, AS, NS.
As front approaches, clouds get thicker and bases lower.
SF, ST/SC are auxiliary clouds
Describe a warm front moist unstable situation.
Embedded convective clouds TCU/ ACC/ CB
Same clouds as moist stable situation CI, CS, AS, NS.
Describe a warm front dry stable situation. What might a dry unstable situation have?
Thin layers of CI, CS, and AS
No NS or precipitation
If unstable, a few high ACC producing virga.
Where does FZRA occur in a warm front?
Thick vertical and horizontal
Above the freeing layer and ahead of front.
True or False?
As the snow melts AFL, the rain below becomes freezing rain (Super-cooled liquid water).
True
_____ and rain may still occur at the surface of a warm front.
Snow
True of False?
FZRA may occur along a trowal or behind a cold front.
True
What are the 4 flight problems at a warm front?
Low ceilings and visibility
Embedded convective cloud
Icing in cloud or precipitation when present
Low level wind shear possible
A narrow band of convective clouds in a line along a front and heavy showers describes what type of frontal weather?
Cold Front
Which type of cold front is more active, faster or slower?
Faster, it produces more convective clouds.
