Air Masses and Fronts ESS 5.1.2

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 two main types of air masses?

Back

Continental (dry) and maritime (wet).

Front

What is a continental tropical air mass?

Back

A continental tropical air mass is a warm, dry air mass that forms over land.

Front

What is a maritime polar air mass?

Back

A maritime polar air mass is a cool, moist air mass that forms over the ocean.

Front

What is humidity?

Back

Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air.

Front

What is temperature in the context of air masses?

Back

Temperature refers to how hot or cold the air mass is, which can be warm or cold.

Front

What is a front in meteorology?

Back

A front is a boundary between two different air masses.

Front

What happens when a warm air mass meets a cold air mass?

Back

When a warm air mass meets a cold air mass, a front forms.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass.