Air Masses & Fronts
An air mass that forms over the Gulf of Mexico is labeled with these two letters.
mT.
If the Air Temperature and the Dewpoint on a station model are exactly the same, what is the Relative Humidity?
100%
At the Equator (0 degrees), does the air generally rise (moist) or sink (dry)?
Rise (creating a wet climate).
On the Windward side of a mountain, is the climate generally "Warm and Dry" or "Cool and Moist"?
Cool and Moist.
Clouds form during the process of Condensation, where water vapor turns back into this state of matter.
Liquid.
This type of front occurs when a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass, often causing heavy thunderstorms.
Cold Front.
In the station model key, what weather variable is represented by the number located in the bottom right (e.g., -12)?
Barometric Trend.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis Effect causes planetary winds to curve in this direction.
To the right.
This term describes the dry, desert-like area found on the Leeward side of a large mountain range.
Rain Shadow.
These are the tiny "dust" or "salt" particles that water vapor must cling to in order to form a cloud droplet.
Condensation Nuclei.
What does the lowercase "c" stand for, and what does it tell us about the moisture?
Continental (Dry).
Clouds form when moist air rises, expands, and cools to this specific temperature.
Dewpoint.
Winds always blow from areas of ________ pressure to areas of ________ pressure.
According to the Ocean Currents map, is the Gulf Stream classified as a Warm or Cold current?
Warm Current.
This severe storm is a violent, rotating column of air that forms from a "supercell" thunderstorm over land.
Tornado.
On a weather map, a line with blue triangles and red semicircles on opposite sides represents this type of front.
Stationary Front.
According to the Present Weather table, what is the symbol for "Freezing Rain"?
The backwards 'S' with a dot.
Most of the weather across the United States is moved from West to East by this specific planetary wind belt.
Prevailing Westerlies.
How does a Cold Ocean Current usually affect the climate of a nearby coastal city?
Makes it cooler and drier.
In a Low Pressure system, does the air circulate Clockwise or Counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere?
Counter-clockwise (and inward).
This type of front, shown with purple symbols, occurs when a fast-moving cold front lifts a warm air mass completely off the ground.
Occluded Front.
To be classified as Saturated, the air must have a Relative Humidity of this percentage.
100%
On a weather map, what is the name for the lines that connect points of equal air pressure?
Isobars
Surface ocean currents are primarily caused by the "dragging" motion of this other weather element.
Planetary Winds.
If you are caught outside during a lightning storm and cannot get inside, what is the best safety rule?
Get low/Avoid tall objects and water.