Air Masses & Fronts
What is an air mass?
A large region of the atmosphere where the air has similar properties throughout
What is a stationary front?
An unmoving front where a cold and warm air mass meet
What type of cloud do thunderstorms form in?
Cumulonimbus clouds
What is weather?
The condition of the atmosphere at a specific time and place
What is radiative balance?
The balance between energy lost and energy gained by Earth
What is a front?
A boundary between air masses with different temperatures
What type of weather is often associated with a stationary front?
Cloudy skies and steady precipitation that can last for days
What is the most common severe storm?
Thunderstorm
What is climate?
The average weather pattern of a region over a long period
What is the greenhouse effect?
The ability of the atmosphere to let in sunlight but not let heat escape
What is a cold front?
A boundary where cold air moves in under a mass of warm air
What usually happens when a cold front meets a warm front?
The warm air is forced upward, creating clouds and precipitation
What is a tornado?
A violent, whirling wind that moves across the ground in a narrow path
How does climate differ from weather?
Climate is long-term, while weather is short-term
What gases are most responsible for the greenhouse effect?
Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor
What is a warm front?
A boundary where warm air moves in over a mass of cold air
How can an occluded front affect weather patterns?
It can bring heavy rain or snow and strong winds
What is a hurricane?
A very large, swirling storm with very low pressure at the center
What factors can affect a region’s climate?
Latitude, elevation, distance from water, and wind patterns
How does human activity increase the greenhouse effect?
By releasing greenhouse gases through burning fossil fuels and deforestation
What is an occluded front and how does it form?
A front formed when a cold front moves in under a warm front
Which type of front can remain in the same place for several days?
Stationary front
What is a storm surge and what causes it?
A great rise of the sea along a shore caused by low pressure during a hurricane
Why is it important to study climate patterns?
They help predict long-term weather changes and natural disasters
What might happen if Earth’s radiative balance is disturbed?
Global temperatures could rise or fall, changing weather and climate patterns