Weather Fronts & Air Masses

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics, which it acquires from the surface over which it forms.

Front

What two characteristics does an air mass get from its source region?

Back

Humidity and temperature.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is a boundary where a cold air mass displaces a warm air mass, often bringing precipitation and a drop in temperature.

Front

What symbol represents a cold front on a weather map?

Back

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

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with a cold front?

Back

Colder temperatures, clouds, and precipitation.

Front

What is humidity?

Back

Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A warm front is a boundary where a warm air mass replaces a cold air mass, usually resulting in gradual temperature increases and light precipitation.

Front

What symbol represents a warm front on a weather map?

Back

A red line with semicircles pointing in the direction of the front.

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with a warm front?

Back

Gradual warming, clouds, and light to moderate precipitation.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, leading to complex weather patterns and often heavy precipitation.