XC Secrets: Coastal cloud puzzle

What do you see? Analyze the snapshot above yourself, before scrolling down for the answers.

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Sea breeze front analysis

1. Sea breeze front convergence, near Dungeness on the south east coast of England. The land heats up more than the sea, the air rises over the land, so the sea air moves in to replace it. The sea air is cooler (especially early in the summer) therefore more dense so it undercuts the inland air and forces it up.

A. Normal cloudbase (inland air drifting towards coast)

B. Lower / stepped cloudbase with tendrils, a classic sign of the seabreeze front advancing

C. The front line often parallels the coast where the ground is flat and the sea air can advance

D. A second front line parallels the second coast line?

E. The clouds erode on the sea side

F. The advancing sea air will rush in under the cloud line at ground level. It's likely the air is mixing here and landing might be challenging / turbulent.

Find out more about flying the Sea Breeze Front