Weather Fronts and Air Masses Flashcard

Front

What are the four main types of air masses?

Back

Maritime tropical, continental tropical, maritime polar, and continental polar.

Front

What weather conditions are typically associated with an occluded front?

Back

A mix of warm and cold air masses.

Front

How does an occluded front form?

Back

An occluded front forms when a fast-moving cold front catches up to a slow-moving warm front, lifting the warm air off the ground.

Front

What is the impact of a stationary front on weather?

Back

It can bring prolonged periods of cloudy and wet weather.

Front

What are the characteristics of a warm front?

Back

A gradual increase in temperature, a shift in wind direction from easterly to southerly, and the presence of cirrus clouds followed by stratus and nimbostratus clouds.

Front

What is the definition of an air mass?

Back

An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics.

Front

How do maritime air masses differ from continental air masses?

Back

Maritime air masses form over oceans and are typically moist, while continental air masses form over land and are usually dry.

Front

What type of weather is associated with a cold front?

Back

Cold fronts typically bring sudden temperature drops, thunderstorms, and heavy rain.

Front

What is the role of a warm front in weather changes?

Back

Warm fronts generally lead to gradual temperature increases and can bring steady precipitation.

Front

What is the significance of wind direction changes at a front?

Back

Wind direction changes at a front indicate a shift in air masses and can signal changes in weather conditions.