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.

Front

What are the four main types of air masses?

Back

The four main types of air masses are continental polar (cP), continental tropical (cT), maritime polar (mP), and maritime tropical (mT).

Front

What is a front in meteorology?

Back

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

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warmer air mass, often causing 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, leading to gradual temperature increases and often bringing rain.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front, causing complex weather patterns.

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

What type of weather is associated with a cold front?

Back

Cold fronts are typically associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and a drop in temperature.

Front

What type of weather is associated with a warm front?

Back

Warm fronts usually bring light rain or drizzle followed by warmer, more humid conditions.

Front

What happens to air when a cold front approaches?

Back

As a cold front approaches, warm air is pushed upward, cools, and can cause rain and thunderstorms.