Air Masses and Fronts

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

A front is a boundary between two different air masses.

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass replaces a warm air mass, often leading to thunderstorms.

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass replaces a cold air mass, usually bringing steady rain.

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

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, causing complex weather patterns.

Cold fronts typically bring a drop in temperature and can cause severe weather like thunderstorms.

Warm fronts usually bring gradual warming and extended periods of rain.

Stationary fronts can lead to prolonged periods of rain or cloudy weather.

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