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 throughout. It can span thousands of miles.

Front

What are the two main types of air masses?

Back

The two main types of air masses are maritime (formed over water) and continental (formed over land).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Front

What type of air mass is formed over land?

Back

Continental air masses are formed over land.

Front

What type of air mass is formed over water?

Back

Maritime air masses are formed over water.

Front

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

Back

A continental tropical air mass is dry and warm.

Front

How does the Earth's uneven heating affect air masses?

Back

The Earth's uneven heating causes air masses to develop, leading to different weather patterns.