Shortwave (meteorology)

Shortwaves may be contained within or found ahead of longwaves and range from the mesoscale to the synoptic scale.

Shortwaves are most frequently caused by either a cold pool or an upper level front.

Ahead of a shortwave there is large-scale lift due to divergence from positive vorticity advection (PVA).

In a capped environment, the lift generated by a shortwave may cool the inversion layer as a result of the rapid expansion of the air (adiabatic cooling), allowing for deep, moist convection.

Shortwave troughs are a cause of lift, or forcing, which is required for the development of thunderstorms and convection.