Air masses and fronts

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics. They form over areas of land or water and can influence weather patterns.

Front

What are the four main types of air masses?

Back

1. Continental Polar (cP) - cold and dry 2. Continental Tropical (cT) - warm and dry 3. Maritime Polar (mP) - cold and humid 4. Maritime Tropical (mT) - warm and humid

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass, causing the warm air to rise rapidly, often leading to thunderstorms and a drop in temperature.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass slides over a cold air mass, leading to gradual temperature increases and often resulting in drizzly rain.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front occurs when two air masses meet but neither is strong enough to replace the other, leading to prolonged periods of cloudy and rainy weather.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air mass off the ground, often resulting in complex weather patterns.

Front

What weather is associated with a cold front?

Back

Cold fronts are typically associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and a drop in temperature.

Front

What weather is associated with a warm front?

Back

Warm fronts are usually associated with light rain, warmer temperatures, and overcast skies.

Front

What type of air mass is dry and warm?

Back

Continental Tropical (cT) is a dry and warm air mass that forms over land.

Front

What type of air mass is cold and humid?

Back

Maritime Polar (mP) is a cold and humid air mass that forms over cold ocean waters.