Air Masses and Fronts ESS 5.1.2

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

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

Back

Dry

Front

What type of air mass is formed over the ocean?

Back

Wet

Front

What is a continental tropical air mass?

Back

A continental tropical air mass is a dry and warm air mass that forms over land in warm regions.

Front

What is a maritime polar air mass?

Back

A maritime polar air mass is a cool and moist air mass that forms over the ocean in polar regions.

Front

What are the two main characteristics of air masses?

Back

Temperature and humidity.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler air mass that replaces a warmer air mass.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

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

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A stationary front is a boundary between two air masses that are not moving.

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.