Frontogenesis

frontogenesis [¦frən·tō¦jen·ə·səs]

(meteorology)

The initial formation of a frontal zone or front.

The increase in the horizontal gradient of an air mass property, mainly density, and the formation of the accompanying features of the wind field that typify a front.

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Frontogenesis 

the formation of a front, that is, the transformation of a broad transition zone between two air masses of the troposphere into an abrupt front. Frontogenesis is characterized by an increase in the horizontal temperature gradients and air humidity in the transition zone and by a more or less abrupt change in wind velocity. Kinematic frontogenesis, which is most common, occurs in the field of a wind that brings small particles of air of different temperatures close together. Topographical frontogenesis is sometimes observed as a result of the effect on the air of an abrupt change in the temperature of the underlying surface.