Airstream Boundaries vs. Fronts: A Comparison
Robert Cohen
East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA
David Schultz
NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory
Norman, OK
In this talk, I will compare the structure of cyclones in terms of the
airstream boundaries and fronts. Fronts are usually defined as sharp
boundaries in the density of air masses (typically revealed in
temperature contrasts) although in regions where the temperature
boundary is not distinct, some analyses use moisture (moist potential
temperature, usually) or winds (wind shear or pressure trough, usually).
Airstream boundaries, on the other hand, are strictly defined on
contrasts in air mass source region. An analysis of various parts of
the cyclone (e.g., surface cold front, upper cold front, warm front,
bent-back warm front, trowal, occluded front, trop fold, etc.) will be
examined to distinguish between the two analysis techniques. If time
allows, I will also discuss the question of which came first: the
airstream boundary or the front? In other words, does the front form an
airstream boundary or visa-versa?