Key Parameters

  • Height contours at 1000 hPa:
    On the surface there is an elongated low pressure area connected to a long occluded front. The original low centre is separated from the occluded front, whereas the secondary centre develops within the frontal cloud band.
  • Equivalent thickness at 500-850 hPa:
    There is the typical structure of an Occlusion, and usually the thermal structure of the Occlusion is neutral, see e.g. Occlusion: Warm Conveyor Belt Type (compare Occlusion: Warm Conveyor Belt Type ). In all types of Occlusions there is a thickness ridge along the occluded front.
  • Omega at 700 hPa:
    There is ascending motion related to the whole frontal system, but also a distinct maximum over the deepening Secondary Low.
  • 300 hPa Isotaches at 300 hPa:
    The core of the jet stream crosses the occlusion point, and the strength of the jet streak is at least 50 m/s.

In the images below the Secondary Low is marked by a red arrow.

 

Height contours at 1000 hPa and equivalent thickness at 500 - 850 hPa

17 April 2008/12.00 UTC - Meteosat 9 IR image; magenta: height contours 1000 hPa, green: relative topography 500 - 850 hPa

 

Omega at 700 hPa

17 April 2008/12.00 UTC - Meteosat 9 IR image; yellow: omega

 

Isotachs at 300 hPa

17 April 2008/12.00 UTC - Meteosat 9 IR image; yellow: isotachs 300hPa