A frontal contour chart is one portraying the topography of frontal surfaces by means of contour lines. The method of constructing the charts is briefly indicated. Frontal contour charts have been prepared on a routine basis for about a year; a close study of these charts has revealed a number of interesting features. Isolated or semi-isolated domes of cold air and pockets of warm air are found at intervals. The characteristics, motion, and manner of formation of these are described briefly. Upper fronts, both cold and warm, take on a fresh significance when studied by means of frontal contour charts. The paper ends with a discussion of the role of cold domes and warm pockets in the mechanism of the general circulation.