Air Masses & 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

What are the four main types of air masses?

Back

The four main types of air masses are: 1. Continental Polar (cP), 2. Maritime Polar (mP), 3. Continental Tropical (cT), 4. 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 warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass, often bringing gentle rain and warmer temperatures.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass, often resulting in thunderstorms and a drop in temperature.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, leading to 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 warm fronts?

Back

Warm fronts are typically associated with gentle rain and gradual temperature increases.

Front

What type of weather is associated with cold fronts?

Back

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

Front

Where do maritime tropical air masses form?

Back

Maritime tropical air masses form over warm ocean waters, typically near the equator.