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.

Front

What are the two main factors used to classify air masses?

Back

Humidity and temperature.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass, leading to gradual temperature increases and precipitation.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass, causing abrupt weather changes and often thunderstorms.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front occurs when a warm air mass and a cold air mass meet but neither has enough energy to move the other.

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 type of air mass is formed over oceans?

Back

Maritime air mass.

Front

What type of air mass is formed over land?

Back

Continental air mass.

Front

What is a maritime tropical air mass?

Back

A maritime tropical air mass is warm and humid, typically formed over warm ocean waters.

Front

What is a continental polar air mass?

Back

A continental polar air mass is cold and dry, formed over land in polar regions.