Air Masses & Weather Fronts

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 that area.

Front

What are the four main types of air masses in the United States?

Back

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

Front

What type of air mass is characterized as cold and dry?

Back

Continental Polar (cP) air mass.

Front

What type of air mass is characterized as warm and dry?

Back

Continental Tropical (cT) air mass.

Front

What type of air mass is characterized as cold and humid?

Back

Maritime Polar (mP) air mass.

Front

What type of air mass is characterized as warm and humid?

Back

Maritime Tropical (mT) air mass.

Front

What is a weather front?

Back

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

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warmer air mass, often leading to thunderstorms and a drop in temperature.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass, typically bringing gradual increases in temperature and precipitation.

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, leading to prolonged periods of cloudy and wet weather.