Met 7 (Frontal systems)

Question 1

Define a front?

Answer 1

A boundary between two air masses.

Question 2

Name the 3 types of front?

Answer 2

• A warm front
• A cold front
• An occluded front

Question 3

What are the 5 characteristics of a warm front?

Answer 3

• Thin, high cloud gradually thickens and lowers.
• Pressure falls ahead of the front.
• Wind backs and starts to increase.
• Light rain begins to fall, becoming heavier before front passes.
• Temperature rises and wind veers as front passes.

Question 4

What is a warm sector?

Answer 4

A warm front following a cold front.

Question 5

What are the 4 characteristics of a warm sector?

Answer 5

• Low cloud, often stratus, possibly overcast, perhaps drizzle.
• Mild, humid, poor visibility likely.
• Pressure steadies or continues to fall very slowly.
• Wind is often strong throughout.

Question 6

What are the 6 characteristics of a cold front?

Answer 6

• Sudden onset of heavy rain.
• Possible hail/thunder/squall line.
• Cumulonimbus clouds.
• Wind veers and may become strong and gusty.
• Temperature falls steeply as front passes.
• Pressure may jump 1-2 hPa immediately before/as front arrives and continues to rise after the front passes.

Question 7

What is an occluded front?

Answer 7

When a cold front catches a warm front weather is similar to a warm front followed immediately by a cold front.

Question 8

What is a quasi-stationary front?

Answer 8

A front that is stationary or nearly so.