Air Masses & Fronts Vocabulary

Wind Shift

• A change in wind direction that usually happens when a front passes.

• A sudden increase in wind speed during a storm.

• A decrease in temperature associated with high pressure systems.

• A consistent wind direction over a long period.

Arctic (A)

• Very cold air that forms over the Arctic region.

• A warm air mass that forms over the tropics.

• A type of ocean current that circulates in the Atlantic.

• A weather phenomenon characterized by heavy rainfall.

Continental (c)

• Dry air that forms over land.

• Moist air that forms over oceans.

• Cold air that forms in polar regions.

• Warm air that rises from the equator.

Tropical (T)

• Warm air that forms near the equator.

• Cold air that forms near the poles.

• Dry air that forms in deserts.

• Cool air that forms in temperate regions.

Stable Air

• Air that rises easily and causes stormy weather.

• Air that doesn’t rise easily and causes calm weather.

• Air that is cold and causes heavy rainfall.

• Air that is warm and causes windy conditions.

Cloud Formation

• The process of rain falling from the sky.

• The development of clouds when moist air rises and cools.

• The evaporation of water from the surface of the earth.

• The movement of air in a circular pattern.

Unstable Air

• Air that rises quickly and can lead to storms or clouds.

• Air that remains still and does not change temperature.

• Air that is cool and dry, preventing cloud formation.

• Air that is warm and humid, leading to clear skies.

Precipitation Patterns

• The way rain, snow, or other precipitation forms and moves with fronts.

• The measurement of temperature changes over time.

• The classification of different types of clouds.

• The process of evaporation and condensation in the water cycle.

Source Region

• The area where an air mass forms, determining its temperature and moisture.

• A location where weather patterns are predicted.

• A region known for high humidity levels.

• A place where air masses are destroyed.

Maritime (m)

• Moist air that forms over water.

• Dry air that forms over land.

• Cold air that forms in the mountains.

• Warm air that forms in deserts.