Air Mass Basics
This term describes a large body of air with uniform temperature and moisture characteristics.
Air mass
This type of front occurs when cold air pushes under warm air.
Cold front
This type of cloud often forms before a cold front passes.
Cumulonimbus
Pilots use these coded weather reports to assess flight conditions.
METARs
Air masses that form over land are called this and tend to be dry.
Continental air masses
This front forms when warm air slides over cold air.
Warm front
This type of precipitation is common during a warm front passage.
Drizzle or light rain
This type of front is associated with rapidly falling pressure and gusty winds.
Cold front
Air masses that form over oceans or seas are called this and tend to be humid.
Maritime air masses
This front occurs when two air masses meet but neither moves.
Stationary front
This weather phenomenon may form along a fast-moving cold front.
Squall line
This front typically moves slower and brings gradual weather changes.
Warm front
This type of air mass forms near the equator and is typically warm and moist.
Maritime tropical (mT)
This front forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front.
Occluded front
This type of front can bring days of cloudy, rainy weather due to its lack of movement.
Stationary front
This zone near the equator is known for its persistent cloud cover and thunderstorms.
Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
This type of air mass forms near the poles and is typically cold and dry.
Continental polar (cP)
This type of occlusion occurs when the overtaking cold air is warmer than the cold air ahead.
Warm front occlusion
This weather system rotates counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and can cause northeasters.
Low-pressure system
This satellite video feature shows clockwise rotation indicating high pressure.
Clear skies and stable weather