Cloud Formation & Frontal Systems

Cloud Formation & Frontal Systems

A lot of adverse weather is associated with frontal systems. Pilots that understand what weather conditions to expect from frontal systems can plan accordingly.

Lesson Notes

A front is a boundary between two air masses. We name the fronts according to which air mass is overtaking the other air mass. There are four types: Cold, Warm, Stationary and Occluded. Frontal systems often produce clouds and instability because they cause one air mass to rise over the other. The exact weather produced by frontal activity varies considerably by the temperature, humidity, atmospheric stability and strength of the front. Weak fronts can lead to relatively minor changes in weather, while strong fronts can generate intense storms.

Additional Resources

• Weather Overview Handout
• Weather Symbols Handout

Flashcard Questions

• What is an airmass?
• What is a front?
• What is a cold front?
• What is a warm front?
• Why do fronts often produce weather?
• What would likely create more intense weather? A fast moving cold front or a slow moving cold front? Why?