Air Masses and Fronts

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

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

Back

Cold

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms over land?

Back

Dry

Front

What type of air mass is formed over warm ocean waters?

Back

Maritime tropical air mass.

Front

What is the humidity and temperature of a continental tropical air mass?

Back

Dry and warm

Front

What is a front in meteorology?

Back

A front is a boundary between two different air masses.

Front

What type of storm front is characterized by warm air rising over cold air?

Back

Warm front

Front

What happens when a cold front is approaching?

Back

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

Front

What type of front occurs when two air masses meet and neither is strong enough to replace the other?

Back

Stationary front

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front.