Part 4: Synoptic Meteorology

Large-Scale Weather Systems

Synoptic meteorology studies weather systems at scales of 1000+ km, including air masses, fronts, cyclones, and anticyclones. These systems determine day-to-day weather patterns across continents.

Topics in This Part

4.1 Air Masses

Classification, source regions, modification

4.2 Fronts

Cold, warm, occluded, and stationary fronts

4.3 Cyclones

Extratropical cyclones, Norwegian model, life cycle

4.4 Jet Streams

Polar and subtropical jets, Rossby waves

Air Mass Types

Continental Polar (cP)

Cold, dry. Source: Siberia, Canada.

Maritime Polar (mP)

Cool, moist. Source: N. Pacific, N. Atlantic.

Continental Tropical (cT)

Hot, dry. Source: Sahara, SW USA.

Maritime Tropical (mT)

Warm, moist. Source: Gulf of Mexico, tropics.

← Part 34.1 Air Masses →