Air Masses and Fronts

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

An air mass is a large body of air that has similar temperature and humidity characteristics throughout.

Front

What are the two main types of air masses?

Back

Continental (dry) and Maritime (wet).

Front

How is a cold front characterized?

Back

A cold front is characterized by the leading edge of a cooler air mass replacing a warmer air mass.

Front

What happens when a cold front passes?

Back

Temperatures drop, and precipitation often occurs.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is the leading edge of a warmer air mass replacing a cooler air mass.

Front

What weather is typically associated with a warm front?

Back

Gradual warming and prolonged 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.

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.

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms over the ocean?

Back

Wet.

Front

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

Back

Dry.