occluded front

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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.

occluded front

meteorology

Also known as: occlusion

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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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. — cyclogenesis Cyclogenesis: evolution of a wave (frontal) cyclone.

In meteorology, an occluded front forms when a faster-moving cold front catches up to and overtakes a slower-moving warm front. This process lifts the warm air mass completely off the ground, creating a boundary between two masses of cold air. Occluded fronts are often associated with cyclonic storms and can bring varied weather conditions. They are a type of front, which is a transition zone between two air masses of different temperatures and densities.12

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extratropical cyclone
This action is known as occlusion.
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This action is known as occlusion.
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cyclogenesis
…frontal structure, known as an occluded front. This occlusion process may be followed by further storm intensification; however, the separation of the cyclone from the warm air toward the Equator eventually leads to the storm’s decay and dissipation in a process called cyclolysis.
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…frontal structure, known as an occluded front. This occlusion process may be followed by further storm intensification; however, the separation of the cyclone from the warm air toward the Equator eventually leads to the storm’s decay and dissipation in a process called cyclolysis.
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climate
Extratropical cyclones
…frontal structure, known as an occluded front. An occluded front (D) is represented by a line with alternating triangles and semicircles on the same side. This occlusion process may be followed by further storm intensification. The separation of the cyclone from the warm air toward the Equator, however, eventually leads…
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…frontal structure, known as an occluded front. An occluded front (D) is represented by a line with alternating triangles and semicircles on the same side. This occlusion process may be followed by further storm intensification. The separation of the cyclone from the warm air toward the Equator, however, eventually leads…
Read More