Air Masses, Weather Fronts and Clouds

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 main types of air masses?

Back

The main types of air masses are continental (dry) and maritime (moist), polar (cold) and tropical (warm).

Front

What is a weather front?

Back

A weather front is a boundary between two different air masses.

Front

What happens at a cold front?

Back

At a cold front, a colder air mass pushes under a warmer air mass, often causing storms.

Front

What happens at a warm front?

Back

At a warm front, a warmer air mass slides over a colder air mass, leading to gradual weather changes.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front occurs when two air masses meet but neither is strong enough to replace the other.

Front

What is a occluded front?

Back

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

Front

What are clouds?

Back

Clouds are visible masses of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere.

Front

What are the main types of clouds?

Back

The main types of clouds are cumulus, stratus, cirrus, and nimbus.

Front

What does the term 'cumulus' refer to?

Back

Cumulus refers to fluffy, white clouds that often indicate fair weather.