ESS124
Prof.
Jin-Yi Yu
Main Points to Learn
•Because extratropical cyclones are the
parent storms for many
hazardous weather, it is essential to understand how they are created and demised.
•Extratropical cyclones (i.e., low-pressure
systems) develop as
a direct result of acceleration created by the imbalance between the pressure gradient force and
the Coriolis force.
•Frictional force in the boundary layer
ultimately destroys extratropical cyclones.
•High-pressure systems also evolve in
response to force imbalance,
although cooling and heating play more important roles.