gen-define-frontal-systems-and-give-one-short-worked-example-1866

Define frontal systems and give one short worked example.

# Frontal Systems **Frontal systems** are boundaries between two air masses of different temperatures and densities in the atmosphere. They are key features in mid-latitude weather and are associated with clouds, precipitation, and wind shifts. ## Main Types: - **Cold front**: Cold air advances and undercuts warm air (steep slope, intense weather) - **Warm front**: Warm air advances over retreating cold air (gentle slope, widespread precipitation) - **Occluded front**: Cold front overtakes warm front - **Stationary front**: Little movement of the boundary --- ## Worked Example: Cold Front Passage **Scenario**: A cold front passes through a city at 2:00 PM. **Before the front (morning)**: - Temperature: 22°C - Wind: South at 15 km/h - Pressure: 1010 mb (falling) - Weather: Warm, humid, partly cloudy **At the front (2:00 PM)**: - Rapid development of cumulonimbus clouds - Heavy rain and possible thunderstorms - Gusty winds shift to northwest **After the front (evening)**: - Temperature: 12°C (dropped 10°C) - Wind: Northwest at 25 km/h - Pressure: 1018 mb (rising) - Weather: Clear, cool, less humid This demonstrates the **characteristic cold front signature**: temperature drop, wind shift, pressure rise, and brief intense precipitation.