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On Frontal Zone Analysis in the Tropical Region of the Northeast Brazil

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Abstract

A frontal structure in the tropical region is different than in the extratropical region and traditional methods of frontal identification are not accurate. The use of a horizontal distribution of the equivalent potential temperature and its advection is the new aspect in frontal identification and will support forecasters in their daily operational practice. Six fronts over 3 years were identified by the method used in operational practice. Twenty fronts were registered by cloud bands together with the equivalent potential temperature and its advection maps. A cold front separated from the cyclone’s center and affected weather on the Northeast Brazil.

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Acknowledgments

Partial financial support (student grant) was provided by CAPES (Coordination of the Level Superior Personal Improvement).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Atmospheric Science, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A. C. Simões, Av. Lourival Melo Mota, Maceió, Alagoas, 57072-900, Brazil

    Natalia Fedorova, Vladimir Levit & Cezar Duarte da Cruz

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  1. Natalia Fedorova
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  2. Vladimir Levit
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  3. Cezar Duarte da Cruz
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Correspondence to Natalia Fedorova.

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Fedorova, N., Levit, V. & da Cruz, C.D. On Frontal Zone Analysis in the Tropical Region of the Northeast Brazil. Pure Appl. Geophys. 173, 1403–1421 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-015-1166-y

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