Exploring Air Masses and Weather Patterns

What is an air mass?

• A type of weather front

• A cloud formation in the sky

• A large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity

• A small pocket of air with varying temperatures

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which device is used to increase humidity in the air?

• Humidifier

• Air conditioner

• Fan

• Heater

What kind of air mass would you expect to find over the Caribbean Islands?

• Hot and wet

• Cold and wet

• Hot and dry

• Cold and dry

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why are air masses near the equator typically hot?

• They have less cloud cover

• They are generally at higher altitudes

• They receive more direct sunlight

• They are closer to the sun

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What causes prevailing winds?

• The rotation of the Earth

• Magnetic fields of the Earth

• The uneven heating of the Earth's surface

• Gravitational forces from the moon

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens at a cold front?

• Warm air replaces cold air

• Cold air sinks under warm air

• Warm air rises over cold air

• Cold air pushes warm air upwards

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which front occurs when neither air mass displaces the other?

• Cold front

• Warm front

• Stationary front

• Occluded front

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Why can weather predictions be incorrect?

• Inaccurate data collection

• All of the above

• Complex movement of air masses

• Lack of technology

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the main field of science that studies air masses and weather fronts?

• Ecology

• Meteorology

• Oceanography

• Geology

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What demonstrates that warm air rises above cooler air?

• Cool air descending in a room

• A fan blowing hot air downwards

• Ice melting in warm water

• A spinning paper plate over a hot plate

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6