An operational frontal contour‐analysis model

Abstract

Abstract A three‐front model is proposed as a practical solution to analysis problems associated with both surface fronts and the baroclinic currents of the upper westerlies. They are called the ‘polar front,’ the ‘maritime front,’ and the ‘arctic front.’ A front is defined as a three‐dimensional baroclinic zone, having a first‐order discontinuity in the temperature and wind fields, and being reasonably continuous in space and time. Frontal contour analysis is found to be operationally practicable and desirable.