Air Masses & Pressure Systems
What happens when an air mass forms over a cold, wet region?
It brings cold, moist air, which can cause rain or snow.
What weather would you expect when a warm front moves into an area with colder air?
The warm air gradually rises over the cold air, leading to light rain or cloudy weather.
What type of climate do regions closer to the poles typically experience?
Cold, with long winters and short summers.
What is the albedo of a light-colored surface?
It has a high albedo, meaning it reflects most of the sunlight that hits it.
What kind of climate is typically found in tropical zones?
Warm temperatures and high rainfall year-round, due to direct sunlight and rising moist air.
How does an air mass from a hot, humid region impact weather when it moves inland?
It brings warm, moist air, leading to potential thunderstorms and humidity.
How does the speed of wind change as a high-pressure system moves over an area?
Wind speeds decrease because the air is calm and settles.
Why do deserts form on the leeward side of mountain ranges?
Because the air that descends is dry, having lost most of its moisture on the windward side.
How does a dark-colored surface affect the Earth's temperature compared to a light-colored surface?
A dark-colored surface absorbs more sunlight, increasing the temperature of that area.
How does relative humidity change when the air temperature increases?
As the temperature increases, relative humidity decreases, because warmer air can hold more moisture.
When air in a low-pressure system rises, what type of weather is most likely to occur?
Cloud formation and possible precipitation, such as rain or snow.
What type of precipitation is most likely to occur when warm air meets cold air?
Heavy rain or thunderstorms, as the warm air rises and cools quickly.
What kind of weather is common in regions near the equator?
Warm temperatures and frequent rainfall due to direct sunlight and rising moist air.
Why do snow-covered regions have a high albedo?
Because the snow reflects most of the sunlight, preventing significant heat absorption.
What does it mean when relative humidity is at 100%?
It means the air is fully saturated with moisture and can no longer hold more water vapor, often leading to precipitation.
What does it mean when isobars are close together on a weather map? How is the pressure?
It indicates strong winds, as the pressure difference is large.
If a low-pressure system moves over a coastal city, what type of weather is expected?
Windy, rainy, and possibly stormy weather, as air rises and creates storms.
Why are coastal regions often cooler than inland areas during the summer?
Because water heats and cools more slowly than land, stabilizing the temperature along the coast.
What impact does albedo have on climate change?
Low albedo surfaces, like forests or oceans, absorb more heat, contributing to warming, while high albedo surfaces, like ice, help cool the area.
What is the difference between a cold front and a warm front in terms of how they move?
A cold front moves quickly, pushing warm air up rapidly, while a warm front moves more slowly, causing the warm air to gradually rise over the cooler air.
In what kind of environment would an air mass from the Arctic typically cause weather?
Cold, dry conditions, possibly bringing snow or very low temperatures
How do mountain ranges impact weather on the leeward (non-vegetation) side?
They create dry conditions and possibly desert-like climates due to air losing moisture on the windward side.
How does an increase in altitude generally affect temperature in a region?
The temperature decreases as altitude increases, due to thinner air and less heat retention.
How would a decrease in Earth's ice cover affect albedo and global temperatures?
It would lower Earth's albedo, causing more heat absorption and contributing to global warming.
What weather is commonly associated with a stationary front?
A stationary front can cause extended periods of cloudy skies and light precipitation, as the warm and cold air masses remain in place.