What is an air mass?

• A small pocket of air with varying temperature and humidity

• A huge body of air that has similar temperature, humidity, and air pressure at any given height

• A cloud formation found in the Earth's atmosphere

• A measurement of air quality in urban areas

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

On what basis do scientists classify air masses?

• By their color and size

• By their altitude and cloud content

• By their temperature and humidity

• By their movement and direction

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

On what two factors do the characteristics of an air mass depend?

• Altitude and pressure

• Temperature and moisture content

• Latitude and humidity

• Precipitation and cloud cover

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What determines whether an air mass is humid or dry?

• The time of year it forms

• The altitude at which it forms

• Whether it forms over water or dry land

• The wind patterns present during its formation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What commonly moves air masses in the continental United States?

• Trade winds and ocean currents

• High-pressure systems and low-pressure systems

• Prevailing westerlies and jet streams

• Monsoons and typhoons

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Are air masses static (remain in one place) or do they move?

• They are always static.

• They move occasionally.

• They are always on the move.

• They move only during the day.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What are the major wind belts over the continental United States known as?

• Trade winds

• Polar easterlies

• Prevailing westerlies

• Doldrums

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is a jet stream?

• A slow-moving river of air

• A band of high-speed winds about 6 to 14 km above Earth's surface

• A tropical storm system

• A low-pressure weather front

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How do jet streams typically move across the United States?

• From east to west

• From north to south

• From south to north

• From west to east

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What impact do jet streams have on weather?

• They have no significant impact

• They cause air masses to stagnate

• They have a great impact on weather

• They only affect ocean currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6