Nonfrontal Alberta Trough
Although analysts are often tempted to draw a front associated with
an Alberta low (Alberta Clipper), frontal properties are generally
not associated with these systems. An Alberta low is a mobile
pressure trough (it has moving pressure waves associated with it) but
these waves are not frontal in nature.
This has led meteorologists to classify the Alberta low as a
nonfontal trough. The definition for a nonfrontal trough is a region of
strong cyclonic vorticity, but little to no temperature gradient. This
definition best describes the features associated with an Alberta
low; and has therefore become the most generally accepted term to
classify an Alberta low.
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