Environmental Studies

A Dictionary of Ecology A Dictionary of Earth Sciences Further reading

warm front

A Dictionary of Ecology | 2004 | | Copyright

warm front A surface where advancing warm air displaces colder air (e.g. in mid-latitude depressions) where, owing to the convergence of the air masses and the difference of density between them, the warm air tends to rise over the cold air. Slopes of warm fronts are typically less than 1:100 and the ascent of air is gradual. Stratiform cloud develops in the rising air. High cirrus cloud followed by lower and thickening altostratus indicate the approaching front. As the frontal contact with the ground approaches, heavy nimbostratus and much rain may occur. Passage of the front is marked by a rise of temperature, clearing of precipitation, and (in the northern hemisphere) the wind veering typically from south or south-easterly to south-westerly.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "warm front." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "warm front." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-warmfront.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "warm front." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-warmfront.html

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warm front

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

warm front A surface where advancing warm air displaces colder air, e.g. in midlatitude depressions where, owing to the convergence of the air masses and the difference of density between them, the warm air tends to rise over the cold air. Slopes of warm fronts are typically less than 1:100 and the ascent of air is gradual. Stratiform cloud develops in the rising air. High cirrus cloud followed by lower and thickening altostratus indicate the approaching front. As the frontal contact with the ground approaches, heavy nimbostratus and much rain may occur. Passage of the front is marked by a rise of temperature, clearing of precipitation, and (in the northern hemisphere) the wind veering typically from south or south-easterly to south-westerly.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "warm front." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "warm front." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-warmfront.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "warm front." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-warmfront.html

Learn more about citation styles

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