Air Mass
Which two characteristics define an air mass?
Temperature and humidity
Which front is most likely to produce sudden thunderstorms followed by a drop in temperature?
Cold front
What kind of weather is usually associated with high-pressure systems?
Clear skies and calm weather
What happens to the density of seawater when it cools and becomes saltier?
it increases
What is the name of the profession that forecasts weather?
meteorologist
Which type of air mass is most likely to form over warm ocean water?
Maritime tropical (mT)
A student sees two symbols on a weather map: a blue triangle line moving southeast and a red half-circle line pointing northwest. What type of front is represented, and what weather is likely?
Stationary front – mild and calm
Give me 3 characteristics of a high pressure system.
1. Sinking air
2. Outward air
3. Clockwise (N.H.)
4. Clear Skies and calm weather
These two things primarily drive the large-scale movement of ocean currents.
1. Density (Temperature and Salinity)
2. Earth's Rotation (Coriolis Effect)
This best describes the cause of Earth’s seasons.
What is the tilt of Earth’s axis tilt?
Air masses are defined by their temperature and moisture content. A “maritime tropical” air mass would most likely bring what kind of weather?
What is warm and humid?
When a warm air mass moves into an area occupied by a colder air mass, this type of front is typically formed.
What is a warm front?
What usually happens to warm, moist air as it rises in the atmosphere?
It cools and forms clouds
This factor is most responsible for creating global wind patterns on Earth.
What is Unequal heating of Earth’s surface by the Sun?
Which of the following describes why the equator is generally warmer than the poles?
Sunlight hits the equator more directly than at the poles
Where do continental polar (cP) air masses typically form?
Over cold land areas in northern regions
After observing a weather map with a stationary front over a region for several days, what weather trend would you most likely expect in that area?
Extended periods of clouds, light rain, or drizzle
You observe a low-pressure system on a weather map surrounded by closely packed isobars. What can you infer about the expected weather and wind conditions in this area?
Stormy weather
Unequal heating of Earth and ___________________ influences global wind and ocean current patterns because of
Earth's Rotation/Coriolis Effect
This best explains why coastal regions often have milder climates than inland regions at the same latitude.
What is Ocean water absorbs and releases heat more slowly than land?
A maritime polar (mP) air mass moves into a region currently under the influence of a continental tropical (cT) air mass. What changes in weather conditions would you expect?
Colder temperatures and increased moisture
A weather report shows a low-pressure system and a cold front approaching a city. How should residents prepare based on this forecast?
Be ready for possible storms, falling temperatures, and strong winds
Using a weather map showing a warm front followed by a low-pressure system, which weather pattern is most likely to occur?
Gradual warming with steady rain followed by possible storms
Which factor most directly affects the path of a hurricane once it forms?
Global wind belts (e.g., trade winds, westerlies)
A meteorologist observes a warm, humid air mass meeting a cold, dry air mass. Radar shows rapidly rising warm air and tall cumulonimbus clouds. Based on this information, what weather is most likely to develop?
Thunderstorms and possibly severe weather