Frontogenesis
Topic: Air Masses, Fronts, Cyclones and Thunderstorms · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 9 "Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems"
Meaning
Frontogenesis is the formation or strengthening of a front. It happens when winds bring two contrasting air masses together, such as cold polar air and warm subtropical air. As the gap in temperature between them becomes sharper, the front becomes clearer and stronger. A strong front lifts more warm air, so it can lead to clouds, rain and new low-pressure systems.
Example
In winter, very cold air moves off North America over the warm waters near the east coast of the United States. Here the temperature contrast becomes sharp, and fronts often form or strengthen over the western North Atlantic.
Don't confuse with
- Frontolysis: this is the opposite process. A front weakens and fades away as the two air masses lose their contrast.