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Atmos 5210/6210 Lab I: Basic Frontal Dynamics

Problem 1

Determine the temperature of the air on the cold side of an ideal frontal discontinuity located at 43 N if the temperature of the warm air mass is 20 C, the frontal slope is 1:150, and the winds on the warm and cold side of the front are 20 m/s westerly and 10 m/s easterly respectively. Hint: Use the temperature of the warm airmass as the "representative" temperature (in absolute degrees, it is close enough).

Problem 2

Using your knowledge of frontogenesis, summarize the kinematic and diabatic processes that influence horizontal temperature gradients in the atmosphere. Explain why surface-based fronts generally weaken with height.