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 similar temperature and humidity characteristics throughout.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms near the poles?

Back

Cold.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of air mass forms over land?

Back

Continental air mass, which is typically dry.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of air mass forms over oceans?

Back

Maritime air mass, which is typically moist.

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 happens when a cold front approaches?

Back

Warm air rises, cools, and causes rain and thunderstorms.

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

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

What are the characteristics of a maritime air mass?

Back

Maritime air masses are moist and can bring precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6