Weather Fronts and Air Masses

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass, where the cold air pushes under the warm air, causing the warm air to rise.

Front

What happens to air temperature when a cold front approaches?

Back

The air temperature decreases.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is a boundary where a warm air mass slides over a cold air mass, leading to gradual temperature increases and often bringing steady rain.

Front

What happens to air temperature when a warm front approaches?

Back

The air temperature increases.

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.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front is a boundary between air masses that are not moving, leading to prolonged periods of cloudy and rainy weather.

Front

How does cold air behave in a cold front?

Back

Cold air moves under warm air because it is denser.

Front

What happens to a hurricane when it hits land?

Back

A hurricane slows down because it loses its energy source, which is warm ocean water.

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 characteristics of a cold air mass?

Back

Cold air masses are typically dense, dry, and associated with high pressure.