An operational frontal contour‐analysis model

• Published in: Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
• Main Authors: Anderson, R., Boville, B. W., McClellan, D. E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1955
• Subjects: Arctic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qj.49708135008; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fqj.49708135008; https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/qj.49708135008

Abstract A three‐front model is proposed as a practical solution to analysis problems associated with both surface fronts and the baroclinic currents of the upper westerlies. They are called the ‘polar front,’ the ‘maritime front,’ and the ‘arctic front.’ A front is defined as a three‐dimensional baroclinic zone, having a first‐order discontinuity in the temperature and wind fields, and being reasonably continuous in space and time. Frontal contour analysis is found to be operationally practicable and desirable.