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 four main types of air masses?

Back

The four main types of air masses are: 1. Continental Polar (cP) - cold and dry, 2. Maritime Polar (mP) - cold and moist, 3. Continental Tropical (cT) - warm and dry, 4. Maritime Tropical (mT) - warm and moist.

Front

What is a front in meteorology?

Back

A front is a boundary between two different air masses, which can lead to changes in weather.

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 often steady precipitation.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass, often resulting in thunderstorms and rapid temperature drops.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a warm air mass is caught between two cold air masses, causing the warm air to rise.

Front

What type of precipitation is associated with cold fronts?

Back

Cold fronts are typically associated with thunderstorms or severe weather.

Front

What type of precipitation is associated with warm fronts?

Back

Warm fronts usually bring steady rain or light precipitation.

Front

What happens to air masses that form over oceans?

Back

Air masses that form over oceans are typically moist and can lead to wet weather.

Front

What happens to air masses that form over land?

Back

Air masses that form over land are usually dry and can lead to dry weather.