Weather Fronts

An AIR MASS is: An air mass is a large body of air that has similar temperature and moisture throughout. An air mass gets its temperature and moisture from the area over which it forms (For example: any air mass that develops over the Gulf of Mexico will be warm and wet because the Gulf of Mexico is warm and wet).

A FRONT is: Air masses with different temperatures do not usually mix Therefore, when two different air masses meet, a boundary called a front forms between them There are four main types of fronts: - cold fronts - warm fronts - occluded fronts - stationary fronts

Meets and takes over a warm air mass (moves under the warm air, pushing it up). Cold fronts can move fast, producing thunderstorms, heavy rain, or snow. Cooler weather usually follows a cold front because the warm air is pushed away from the Earth’s surface. Cold front

Warm Front Warm air mass meets and overtakes a cold air mass (warm air moves over cold air and replaces it). Warm fronts generally bring nimbostratus clouds and long rains. After the front passes, weather conditions are warm and clear.

Occluded Front A faster-moving cold air mass overtakes a slower-moving warm air mass and forces the warm air up. The cold air keeps moving until it meets another cold air mass. Leads to cool temperatures and lots of precipitation (rain or snow).

A cold air mass meets a warm air mass, but little movement occurs. Usually clouds and long rains are found. Stationary Front

Create 4 FRONT Flashcards On on side, write the NAME of one of the four fronts, and draw a DIAGRAM of it. On the other side, write a DESCRIPTION of the front in your own words. Repeat for a total of 4 cards (4 different fronts).