Vocabulary
The boundary between two different air masses.
Front
A large-scale collection of air with a similar set of properties
Air mass
Fill in the blank with (sinks/rises).
Less dense air ( ), whereas air that is more dense ( ).
1. Rises
2. Sinks
If I were to add air to a balloon, the air pressure inside the balloon is now __________ the air pressure outside the balloon.
the same as
higher than
lower than
2. higher than
What atmospheric pressure conditions you would expect based on the weather during this day:
No winds, clear skies.
1. Air Pressure increases
2. Air Pressure decreases
3. Air Pressure is steady
Air pressure increases
The force exerted on Earth’s surface by the weight of the air above the Earth’s surface.
Air pressure
Fill in the blank:
High pressure fronts create regions of ( ) air.
Sinking
Winds in a low pressure system swirl ( ) north of the equator and ( ) south of the equator.
1. counterclockwise
2. clockwise
The air in a balloon is more dense than the air outside of the balloon. Is the air pressure higher inside or outside of the balloon?
Inside of the ballon
What atmospheric pressure conditions you would expect based on the weather during this day:
Winds have increased, clouds have gathered, a thunderstorm is expected.
1. Air Pressure increases
2. Air Pressure decreases
3. Air Pressure is steady
Air pressure decreases
A fast flowing air current high in Earth’s atmosphere that forms between latitude bands of rising and sinking air.
Jet Stream
As you go higher in the atmosphere, air pressure ( ) because there are fewer air molecules above.
Decreases
Fill in the blank:
Low pressure fronts create regions of ( ) air.
Rising
Martha has blown up an air mattress for her slumber party. While she is setting up she suddenly hears a pop in the air mattress. There is now a small hole in the mattress.
The air flows out of the mattress because the air pressure inside the mattress, is _______ the pressure outside the mattress.
the same as
higher than
lower than
2. higher than
What is likely to happen as a result of a low pressure system?
Air rises resulting in the formation of clouds and precipitation.
A distinct pattern of snowfall that occurs when cold air moves across the open waters of a large lake.
Lake Effect Snow
Use (high/low) to fill in the blank.
Air flows from a ( ) pressure region to a ( ) pressure region.
1. high
2. low
Winds in a high pressure system swirl ( ) north of the equator and ( ) south of the equator.
1. Clockwise
2. Counterclockwise
List / explain the process of lake effect snow.
Process:
Air Mass Interaction: Cold air moves over the lake (which has more thermal energy).
Warming of Air: The warm lake water heats the air, causing it to gain moisture through evaporation.
Rising of Warm Air: The warm, moist air is less dense and rises.
Condensation: As the air rises, it cools, and the water vapor condenses to form clouds.
Snowfall: Once the air reaches land, it cools further, and precipitation (snow) occurs.
Effect Diminishes: As the air moves further inland, the moisture decreases, and the lake-effect snow lessens.
Complete the model to represent the flow of air at a low pressure front.
Sketch arrow(s) showing the motion of air at the low pressure front.
See Model on Separate Page