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Analyzing Precipitation Animation
closely examining each stage of development
A Closer Examination of the Animation:
Initially, the cold air mass wedges into the warmer air mass
ahead of it, (separated from each other by the
cold front).
The lighter warm air
is lifted upwards by the denser cold air and
if enough water vapor condenses,
clouds develop.
[Image: clouds forming ahead of cold front (27K)]
If condensation
of water vapor persists, precipitation may develop, typically
in a narrow
band just ahead of
the cold front.
[Image: thunderstorms ahead of cold front (27K)]
Due to the steep slope of a cold front, vigorous rising motion is often
produced, leading to the
development of showers and occasionally severe thunderstorms.
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