Air Masses and Fronts Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How do scientists classify air masses?

By the water content and temperature of the air.

What is an air mass?

A very large volume of air that has a certain temperature and moisture content.

What are the 4 types of air masses?

Continental Polar, Continental Tropical, Maritime Polar, and Maritime Tropical.

What is an anticyclone?

The rotation of air around a high-pressure center in the direction opposite to Earth's rotation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cyclone?

An area in the atmosphere that has lower pressure than the surrounding areas and has winds that spiral toward the center. Signup and view all the answers

What is a front?

The boundary between air masses of different densities and usually different temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

When does a warm front form?

When a warm air mass moves in over a cold air mass that is leaving an area. Signup and view all the answers

When does a cold front form?

When a cold air mass moves under a warm air mass. Signup and view all the answers

Which place is the coldest?

Northern Canada. Signup and view all the answers

Which place is the warmest?

Near the Equator. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Air Mass Classification

Air masses are classified based on moisture content and temperature.

Definition of Air Mass

An air mass is a significant volume of air characterized by uniform temperature and moisture.

Types of Air Masses

There are four primary types of air masses:
- Continental Polar
- Continental Tropical
- Maritime Polar
- Maritime Tropical

Anticyclone

An anticyclone is defined as high-pressure air that rotates opposite to the direction of Earth's rotation.

Cyclone

A cyclone is a low-pressure area with winds spiraling towards its center, indicating an inward flow of air.

Fronts

A front serves as the boundary between air masses with differing densities and temperatures.

Warm Front Formation

A warm front forms when a warm air mass moves over a receding cold air mass.

Cold Front Formation

A cold front occurs when a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass.

Coldest Location

Northern Canada is identified as the coldest region.

Warmest Location

Areas near the Equator are recognized as the warmest regions.

Description

Test your knowledge of air masses and their characteristics with these flashcards. Learn how scientists classify air masses based on their temperature and moisture content, as well as the four main types of air masses. Perfect for students studying meteorology or atmospheric sciences.