Air Masses, Fronts, and Pressure Systems

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics. It forms over a specific region and can influence the weather in areas it moves into.

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 humid 3. Continental Tropical (cT) - warm and dry 4. Maritime Tropical (mT) - warm and humid.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler air mass that replaces a warmer air mass. It is often associated with thunderstorms and a drop in temperature.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is the leading edge of a warmer air mass that replaces a cooler air mass. It typically brings gradual increases in temperature and can cause light rain.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front occurs when two air masses meet but neither is strong enough to replace the other. It can lead to prolonged periods of cloudy weather and precipitation.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air mass off the ground. It can lead to complex weather patterns and precipitation.

Front

What type of weather is associated with high pressure systems?

Back

High pressure systems are generally associated with clear, fair, and sunny weather. They occur when air descends and spreads out.

Front

What type of weather is associated with low pressure systems?

Back

Low pressure systems are typically associated with cloudy, rainy, or stormy weather. They occur when air rises and cools.

Front

What does the abbreviation 'cP' stand for?

Back

'cP' stands for Continental Polar, which refers to a cold and dry air mass.

Front

What does the abbreviation 'mT' stand for?

Back

'mT' stands for Maritime Tropical, which refers to a warm and humid air mass.