Meteorology Exam Flashcards

What is an air mass?

• A large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity.

• A small pocket of water vapor in the atmosphere.

• A type of cloud formation.

• A sudden change in wind direction.

Why don't we get maritime Arctic (mA) air masses?

Where do air masses form?

• In source regions with uniform surface conditions and light winds.

• Over mountain peaks with rapidly changing weather.

• In the middle of large cities with heavy pollution.

• Above the open ocean during hurricanes.

What are the classifications of air masses?

• Humidity: Continental (dry), Maritime (moist); Temperature: Tropical, Polar, Arctic.

• Humidity: Equatorial (wet), Desert (dry); Temperature: Subtropical, Antarctic.

• Humidity: Oceanic (wet), Mountain (dry); Temperature: Equatorial, Temperate.

• Humidity: Urban (moist), Rural (dry); Temperature: Highland, Lowland.

Why are mid-latitudes not good source regions?

• Because surface temperature and moisture vary greatly.

• Because they receive the most direct sunlight year-round.

• Because they are always covered in ice and snow.

• Because they have consistently high humidity levels.

Name five air masses affecting North America.

• cP, cA, mP, mT, cT

• cP, mE, mT, cT, mA

• cA, mP, mE, cT, mT

• cP, cA, mE, mT, cT

What is a front?

What are the four major types of fronts?

• Cold, Warm, Stationary, Occluded

• Polar, Tropical, Maritime, Continental

• Cyclonic, Anticyclonic, Tropical, Polar

• Warm, Cold, Dry, Moist

Describe a cold front.

Describe a warm front.