Mid-Latitude Cyclones & Weather Fronts: Types, Formation, and Dynamics

Cold Front

Colder air moves under warmer air.

Warm Front

Warmer air moves over colder air.

Stationary Front

Air masses move parallel but in opposite directions.

Dry Line

Separates moist and dry air.

Occluded Front

Formed when cold front catches warm front.

Cyclone

Low-pressure system.

Anticyclone

High-pressure system.

Pressure Gradient Force

Air moves high → low pressure.

Coriolis Force

Deflects moving air (right in N. Hemisphere, left in S. Hemisphere).

Initial Stage of Cyclone

Stationary front forms: cold air north, warm air south.

Mature Stage of Cyclone

Warm, humid air feeds the low → pressure drops.

Occlusion Stage of Cyclone

Cold front catches warm front → occluded front.

Dissipation Stage of Cyclone

Pressure rises, system dies.

Power Source of Cyclone

Warm, humid air between cold & warm fronts feeds the low-pressure center.

Polar Front

Boundary between cold northern air & warm southern air.

Newly formed Cyclone

'Baby' cyclone, moves west.

Middle-aged Cyclone

Cold front formed, occlusion not yet complete.

Geriatric Cyclone

'Grandpa' cyclone, occluded front, cut off from energy source.

Mid-Latitude Cyclones

Form between 30°-60° latitude.

Tropical Cyclones

Form below 30° latitude.

Coriolis Effect in N. Hemisphere

Cyclones rotate counterclockwise, Anticyclones rotate clockwise.

Coriolis Effect in S. Hemisphere

Cyclones rotate clockwise, Anticyclones rotate counterclockwise.

Key Takeaway: Cold Fronts

Fast-moving, intense weather.

Key Takeaway: Warm Fronts

Slower, lighter weather.

Key Takeaway: Occlusion

System loses its energy → cyclone dies.