Describe the Development of the Extratropical Cyclone

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The Answer is Two key ingredients contribute to the formation and movement of an extratropical cyclone-a strong temperature gradient in the air near the surface and wind patterns within the jet stream. Surface temperature gradients are generally strongest along a cold, warm, or stationary front . Therefore, most extratropical cyclones develop along fronts. Air masses, moving in opposite directions along a front provide the temperature contrast for cyclone development; a wave forms along the front at a place where upper-level winds diverge, such as a bend in the jet stream; a surface low-pressure center develops as cold air pushes south on the west side and warm air pushes north on the east side of the cyclone; the cold front advances faster than the warm front, catches up with the warm front, and displaces the warm air upward; an occluded front develops with warm air held aloft by cold and cool air masses at the surface; the temperature contrast at the surface disappears, friction slows winds, and atmospheric pr as the cyclone dissipates.

Describe the Development of the Extratropical Cyclone

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