Understanding Air Masses and Storms

What is the primary characteristic of a continental air mass?

• High humidity

• Low humidity

• Warm temperature

• Forms over water

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which type of air mass is likely to bring rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest?

• Continental tropical (cT)

• Maritime polar (mP)

• Continental polar (cP)

• Maritime tropical (mT)

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Explain how a cold front forms and describe the typical weather it brings.

• A cold air mass overtakes a warm air mass, often leading to short, violent storms.

• A warm air mass overtakes a cold air mass, leading to widespread poor weather.

• A stationary front forms when an air mass moves slowly.

• An occluded front forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the main difference between a mid-latitude cyclone and an anticyclone?

• Mid-latitude cyclones are high-pressure systems, while anticyclones are low-pressure systems.

• Mid-latitude cyclones have rotating winds moving toward low pressure, while anticyclones have air sinking and flowing outward from high pressure.

• Mid-latitude cyclones are associated with dry weather, while anticyclones bring rain.

• Mid-latitude cyclones are stationary, while anticyclones move quickly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the primary cause of thunder during a thunderstorm?

• The rotation of the Earth

• The discharge of static electricity in the clouds

• The expansion and collapse of air due to lightning

• The movement of warm air upward

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Describe the conditions necessary for the formation of a tornado.

• A hurricane meets a cold front, causing rotation.

• A thunderstorm meets high-altitude, horizontal winds, causing the rising air to rotate.

• A warm front overtakes a cold front, causing rotation.

• A stationary front becomes unstable, causing rotation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the Saffir-Simpson Scale used for?

• Measuring the intensity of tornadoes

• Grading hurricanes based on wind speeds

• Determining the humidity of air masses

• Predicting the path of mid-latitude cyclones

Identify the stage of a thunderstorm characterized by heavy torrential downpours and sometimes hail.

• Cumulus stage

• Mature stage

• Dissipating stage

• Occluded stage

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5