Also known as an extratropical
cyclone, a
depression, and a
low, a low pressure area is a cyclonic storm often forms along a
front in middle and high latitudes.
Characteristics:
-
Energy is derived from horizontal temperature contrasts.
-
The low intensifies with increasing height.
- A cold upper-level low or trough exists to the west of the surface system. (in the northern hemisphere)
- Air is rising in the center of the storm (unlike a hurricane where the air sinks).
- The strongest winds are found aloft in the jet stream.
A low pressure area is not a
tropical storm or hurricane.