Air Masses and Fronts

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

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

Front

What are the four main types of air masses?

Back

The four main types of air masses are continental polar (cP), continental tropical (cT), maritime polar (mP), and maritime tropical (mT).

Front

What is a front in meteorology?

Back

A front is the boundary between two different air masses.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air off the ground.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front is a boundary between air masses that is not moving, where neither air mass is advancing.

Front

What type of front is associated with heavy precipitation?

Back

Cold fronts are typically associated with heavy precipitation due to the rapid lifting of warm, moist air.

Front

What is the difference between a warm front and a cold front?

Back

A warm front occurs when warm air rises over cold air, while a cold front occurs when cold air pushes under warm air.

Front

How do continental air masses differ from maritime air masses?

Back

Continental air masses form over land and are typically dry, while maritime air masses form over oceans and are usually moist.

Front

What weather conditions are typically associated with a warm front?

Back

Warm fronts are usually associated with gradual increases in temperature, cloudiness, and light to moderate precipitation.

Front

What is the significance of the symbol for a stationary front on a weather map?

Back

The symbol for a stationary front indicates that the front is not moving, which can lead to prolonged periods of similar weather.