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 two main types of air masses?

Back

Continental (dry) and Maritime (moist).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a front in meteorology?

Back

A front is a boundary between two different air masses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with a warm front?

Back

Warm and humid weather, often with light rain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with a cold front?

Back

Cooler temperatures and thunderstorms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

How does an air mass that forms over land differ from one that forms over water?

Back

An air mass over land is typically dry, while one over water is moist.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5