Air Masses
What is an air mass?
A large body of air that has uniform temperature and moisture characteristics.
What is a cold front?
A boundary where a colder air mass pushes into a warmer air mass.
What is atmospheric convection?
The process of warm air rising and cool air sinking, creating wind patterns.
What is ocean convection?
The movement of water due to temperature and density differences in the ocean.
Why does the Earth experience unequal heating?
Different surfaces (land, water, ice) absorb solar energy differently.
What are the two main types of air masses?
Maritime and continental.
What type of weather is associated with warm fronts?
Typically brings gradual warming and precipitation over a longer period.
How does convection affect weather?
It distributes heat and moisture in the atmosphere, influencing local climates.
How do ocean currents affect climate?
They redistribute heat and influence weather patterns around the globe.
How does unequal heating influence wind patterns?
It creates pressure differences that drive wind movement.
How do air masses affect weather?
They can bring different temperatures and humidity levels, influencing local weather conditions.
How can weather fronts lead to storms?
The lifting of warm air over cold air can create storm systems.
What is an example of convection in nature?
Sea breezes are caused by the convection of air over land and water.
Where does the warmer and cooler water come from in ocean circulation?
A global ocean circulation driven by differences in temperature, specifically the equator has warm water and the poles have colder water.
What effect does altitude have on temperature and heating?
Higher altitudes generally have cooler temperatures due to thinner atmosphere.
What happens when two different air masses meet?
They can create weather fronts, leading to changes in weather.
What weather is expected when a cold air mass chases a warmer air mass?
You will see stormy weather, larger clouds, and heavy precipitation.
How does convection relate to thunderstorms?
Warm, moist air rises rapidly, leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds.
How do ocean temperatures influence air temperature?
Warmer ocean waters can warm the air above them, affecting local climates.
How does geography affect regional climates?
Mountains, bodies of water, and vegetation can influence local temperatures and precipitation.
What role does latitude play in the characteristics of air masses?
Latitude affects temperature and moisture content, influencing the type of air mass that forms.
What are the most important factors that influence weather prediction?
Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Wind Patterns, and Geographic Features.
What role does the Earth's rotation play in convection?
It affects wind patterns through the Coriolis effect, influencing weather systems.
What is the Gulf Stream, and why is it important?
A warm ocean current that influences the climate of the eastern United States and Western Europe.
What is the significance of the equator in terms of heating?
The equator receives more direct sunlight year-round, leading to warmer temperatures compared to higher latitudes.