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 characteristics used to classify air masses?

Back

Temperature and humidity.

Front

What does 'mT' stand for in air mass classification?

Back

mT stands for tropical maritime, which indicates a warm, moist air mass originating over tropical oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What does 'cT' stand for in air mass classification?

Back

cT stands for tropical continental, which indicates a warm, dry air mass originating over land in tropical regions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of air mass is formed over cold regions?

Back

Polar air mass.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is the leading edge of a warm air mass that is replacing a cold air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cold air mass that is replacing a warm air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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.

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

Where do tropical maritime (mT) air masses typically originate?

Back

Over warm tropical oceans, such as the Southern region of the Atlantic Ocean.