Cirrus & Ridges

[mlewis73]

I'm working on a project for school and seem to have forgotten some Met 101.

Can someone detail the dynamics involved that create the cirrus we see spilling over ridges? Better yet, can anyone suggest a book that details cirrus formation as it applies to the dynamics associated with synoptic-scale weather systems (i.e., warm fronts, ridges, jet streaks, etc.) Typical threshold values for upward vertical velocity, relative humidity, divergence, etc. would be great to have, too.

Thank you.

[rmaan]

I'm not sure if this will help you or not, but if im not mistaken, humidity and temperature would have a significant influence on cirrus formation right? Variations in these elements could easily cause cirrus formation, even at high pressures. Try this article:

http://ams.allenpress.com/amsonline/?re ... 2.0.CO%3B2

Hope that helps :S

Arman