Flashcard - Air Masses and Fronts

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What are the two main types of air masses?

Back

The two main types of air masses are continental (dry) and maritime (moist).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What does a high pressure area indicate about the weather?

Back

A high pressure area typically indicates cooler and clear skies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What does a low pressure area indicate about the weather?

Back

A low pressure area typically indicates cloudy and rainy weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms over water?

Back

An air mass that forms over water is characterized as maritime and is usually moist.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is the typical movement direction of cold fronts?

Back

Cold fronts typically move from northwest to southeast.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is the typical movement direction of warm fronts?

Back

Warm fronts typically move from southwest to northeast.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'continental' in air mass classification?

Back

The term 'continental' indicates that the air mass formed over land and is usually dry.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6