Meteorology · Extratropical Cyclones — Life Cycle

The classic life cycle of a mid-latitude (wave) cyclone progresses through which stages?

Explanation

A mid-latitude low begins as a wave on the polar front, deepens as the open wave with distinct warm and cold fronts, then occludes as the cold front overtakes the warm front, and finally fills and decays — the Norwegian cyclone model.

Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), cyclogenesis; WMO

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