Exploring the Formation of Weather

Air masses are large bodies of air with similar temperature and moisture levels. They are categorized by temperature (tropical and polar) and moisture (continental and maritime). Air masses move vertically and horizontally due to pressure differences, affecting weather patterns. Continental air masses form over land and are dry, while maritime air masses form over water and are moist. The United States experiences various weather conditions due to these air masses, such as cold, dry winters from polar masses and hot, humid summers from tropical masses.

What defines an air mass?

• Its size and shape

• Its temperature and moisture levels

• Its color and density

• Its speed and direction

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How do air masses move vertically?

• By changing their color

• By rising when warm and sinking when cool

• By moving from high to low pressure areas

• By rotating around the poles

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What causes air to flow from the poles to the equator?

• Wind speed

• Pressure difference

• Humidity levels

• Temperature difference

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following is NOT a type of air mass?

• Continental polar

• Maritime tropical

• Continental maritime

• Maritime polar

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Where do continental air masses form?

• Over oceans

• Over continents

• At the equator

• In the atmosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is a characteristic of continental polar air masses?

• Hot and dry

• Cold and dry

• Cold and moist

• Warm and moist

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What weather do continental tropical air masses bring to the Southwest United States in summer?

• Cold and dry

• Hot and dry

• Warm and moist

• Cool and rainy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Where do maritime air masses typically form?

• Over large bodies of water

• In the desert

• In the mountains

• Over land

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What type of weather do maritime polar air masses bring in the winter?

• Cool and foggy

• Warm and dry

• Cold and moist

• Hot and dry

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What type of weather do maritime tropical air masses bring to the eastern United States in the summer?

• Cold and dry

• Warm and dry

• Hot and humid

• Cool and rainy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5