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seclusion

A seclusion is the mature phase of the extratropical cyclone lifecycle according to the Shapiro-Keyser model. It is an anomalously warm low-level thermal structure, secluded (or surrounded) by a bent-back warm front, with a band of strong surface winds.

Warm seclusions may have cloud-free, eye-like features at their center, significant pressure falls, hurricane force winds, and moderate to strong convection. The most intense warm seclusions often attain pressures below 950 mb. These systems occur in the higher midlatitudes.

Note that the bent back warm front in the S-K model is analogous to the bent back occlusion of the Norwegian model... both offering stings in the scorpion's tail.


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