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

The two main types of air masses are maritime (formed over water) and continental (formed over land).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What does 'maritime tropical' mean?

Back

Maritime tropical air masses are warm and humid, formed over warm ocean waters near the equator.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What does 'continental tropical' mean?

Back

Continental tropical air masses are warm and dry, formed over land in hot regions.

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 into an area occupied by 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 moves into an area occupied by 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 one is strong enough to replace 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, lifting the warm air mass off the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of weather is associated with a warm front?

Back

Warm fronts typically bring warm and humid weather after they pass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5