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Click here to Order your Radar Equipment Online FRONTAL ANALYSIS The thermal gradient is by far the most impor-tant guide in locating fronts. The 850- and 700-mb isotherm analyses are used as aids in determining the location, strength, and vertical extent of fronts. Isotherms generally parallel fronts, with the tightest packing (gradient) in the cold air (fig. 8-1-9). On upper-level charts that do not show fronts, isotherms are continuous lines. On those showing fronts, the isotherms may be discontinuous. The thermal gradient and pattern in relation to fronts give an indication of a fronts strength. The weaker the gradient (in the cold air), the weaker the front and the greater the probability that the front has a shallow slope. The tighter the gradient, the stronger the front. Isotherms may parallel cold fronts for long distances; however, somewhere to the north the isotherms may cross these fronts. Any appreciable crossing of these fronts by the isotherms indicates the front is occluded. Secondary cold fronts may also show an isotherm pattern that is more or less
Figure 8-1-9.Isotherm packing at a warm and cold front perpendicular to them. This indicates little air-mass contrast and a weaker front. |
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