Cbs and MCSs embedded within and at the rear of Cold Front bands are widespread. It will be recalled that PVA and PV (see Enhancement Of Convectivity By PV ) are key drivers for the initiation of convection. The satellite image for 05.00 UTC shows MCS development above the Mediterranean Sea south of France at approximately 43N/05E. In the enhanced image three cells can be identified (green and cyan areas).
One hour later the three cells have merged into one MCS, the centre of which can be found in the area where the enhancement is dark green and cyan.
The images above are an example of the development of large, single cells within a frontal cloud band. The images below also show a typical example of a frontal cloud band with widely embedded convective cells. Further investigation will be carried out to clarify if other parameters, as well as PVA, are driving factors for the initiation of convection within frontal cloud bands and can be used to distinguish different types of fronts which might support such MCS development.

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