Air Masses and Fronts: Level 3

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 four main types of air masses?

Back

The four main types of air masses are: maritime tropical, maritime polar, continental tropical, and continental polar.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass, leading to gradual temperature increases and often precipitation.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass, causing abrupt weather changes and often thunderstorms.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front forms when a warm air mass is caught between two cold air masses, causing the warm air to rise.

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 weather conditions.

Front

How does an air mass form over land differ from one over water?

Back

An air mass that forms over land is typically dry (continental), while one that forms over water is usually moist (maritime).

Front

What is a maritime tropical air mass?

Back

A maritime tropical air mass is warm and moist, typically forming over warm ocean waters.

Front

What is a maritime polar air mass?

Back

A maritime polar air mass is cold and moist, usually forming over cold ocean waters.

Front

What is a continental tropical air mass?

Back

A continental tropical air mass is warm and dry, forming over hot land areas.