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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the two main types of air masses?

Back

Maritime (formed over water) and Continental (formed over land).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass, often leading to thunderstorms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front occurs when a warm air mass slides over a cold air mass, usually bringing steady rain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air off the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of air mass is typically wet and warm?

Back

Maritime tropical air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What type of air mass is typically dry and warm?

Back

Continental tropical air mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms over oceans?

Back

Maritime air mass, which is usually moist.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is the symbol for a cold front?

Back

A blue line with triangles pointing in the direction of the front.