Extratropical cyclone: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	wave cyclone • midlatitude cyclone

Photos

Diagram of the United States showing wind rotation patterns in a cyclone and an anticyclone. On the left, arrows circle counterclockwise around a low-pressure center labeled Low to illustrate a cyclone. On the right, arrows circle clockwise around a high-pressure center labeled High to illustrate an anticyclone. The map visually contrasts the opposite wind directions in these two weather systems.

Figure 5: Cross section of clouds and precipitation often found along the cross-sectional line in Figure 22D. The direction of frontal movement is indicated by the arrows.

A five-panel diagram shows the evolution of a frontal wave cyclone, with blue indicating cold air and red indicating warm air. Arrows illustrate airflow as the system progresses from the initial stage, to wave development, cyclonic circulation, occluded front, and finally dissipation.

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Topics

Bergen school model Nor’easter tropical cyclone Cyclone Lee cyclone polar vortex Bomb cyclone Cyclogenesis 10 Deadliest Cyclones in History Icelandic low Cyclolysis Aleutian low

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