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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How does a warm front form?

Back

A warm front forms when a warm air mass moves into an area occupied by a cooler air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What weather is typically associated with a warm front?

Back

Warm fronts typically bring gradual increases in temperature, cloudiness, and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler air mass that is replacing a warmer air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What weather is typically associated with a cold front?

Back

Cold fronts are associated with sudden temperature drops, thunderstorms, and heavy precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What symbol represents a warm front on a weather map?

Back

A warm front is represented by a red line with semicircles pointing in the direction of the front's movement.

Front

What symbol represents a cold front on a weather map?

Back

A cold front is represented by a blue line with triangles pointing in the direction of the front's movement.

Front

What is the difference between maritime and 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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5