Frontal motion in the atmosphere

The motion of frontal disturbances in the atmosphere is studied with a one layer nonlinear model proposed by Stoker. The equations of motion are integrated in the interior of the domain by a two step method. Flows resulting from various initial and boundary are considered for considerably longer times than those previously computed. The boundary is followed by a numerical procedure that allows for arbitrary shapes of the front. Hence, flows can be followed until occlusion occurs and so we can accurately compare the effects of the various initial and boundary conditions on the occlusion process. In all cases, the cold front propagates faster than the warm front and a relatively strong mass convergence region exists behind the cold front. A cyclonic circulation pattern is clearly visible near the cold front. These facts suggest the occurrence of severe storms associated with cold fronts but not with warm fronts.