High- and Low-Pressure System Development

300 mb Heights & Wind: 300mb maps from February 2001 show the evolution of a strong trough and jetstream across the central United States. The coupling of the trough and the jetstreak create strong divergence aloft that enhances the development of a surface low. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sea Level Pressure: A strong surface low (green and blue) develops in eastern Colorado in response to divergence aloft. The surface low intensifies (pressure lowers) and moved northeastward. The surface low is supported by divergence aloft associated with curvature in the flow and a jetstreak that migrates through the base of the trough. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign