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. It forms over a specific region and can influence the weather in areas it moves into.

Front

What are the two main types of air masses?

Back

The two main types of air masses are maritime (formed over water) and continental (formed over land).

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is a boundary where a warm air mass replaces a cold air mass. It typically brings gradual increases in temperature and can lead to precipitation.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is a boundary where a cold air mass replaces a warm air mass. It often brings sudden drops in temperature and can cause thunderstorms.

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. This can lead to prolonged periods of cloudy and rainy weather.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

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

Front

What does cT stand for in air masses?

Back

cT stands for tropical continental, which refers to a warm, dry air mass that forms over land in tropical regions.

Front

What does mP stand for in air masses?

Back

mP stands for maritime polar, which refers to a cool, moist air mass that forms over cold ocean waters.

Front

What does mT stand for in air masses?

Back

mT stands for maritime tropical, which refers to a warm, moist air mass that forms over warm ocean waters.

Front

What does cP stand for in air masses?

Back

cP stands for continental polar, which refers to a cold, dry air mass that forms over land in polar regions.