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 with similar surface conditions.

Front

What are the four main types of air masses?

Back

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

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler mass of air, replacing a warmer mass. It typically brings thunderstorms and a drop in temperature.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is the leading edge of a warmer mass of air, replacing a cooler mass. It usually brings gradual warming and light to moderate precipitation.

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. Weather can be cloudy with prolonged precipitation.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air off the ground. It can lead to complex weather patterns.

Front

What type of weather is associated with a cold front?

Back

After a cold front passes, expect cool and clear skies, often following thunderstorms.

Front

What type of weather is associated with a warm front?

Back

After a warm front passes, expect warmer temperatures and often cloudy skies with light rain.

Front

What is the symbol for a cold front?

Back

The symbol for a cold front is a blue line with triangles pointing in the direction of the front.

Front

What is the symbol for a warm front?

Back

The symbol for a warm front is a red line with semicircles pointing in the direction of the front.