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Explore the characteristics, types, and formations of air masses and fronts, crucial in determining weather patterns. Learn about cold fronts, warm fronts, occluded fronts, and stationary fronts.
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Air Masses cont. • A large body of air with the same temperature and moisture content • When air is stationary or moves slowly it takes on uniform characteristics • Classified by source region, temperature and humidity • Polar regions=cold, dry air • Tropical regions=warm, moist air
Types of Air Masses • Continental • Form over large landmasses • Northern Canada, southwestern USA • Low humidity Why?? • Two types • Continental polar (cP): cold and dry • Continental Tropical (cT): warm and dry
Types of Air Masses • Maritime • Form over oceans or large bodies of water • High humidity • Commonly bring rain or fog • Two types • Maritime polar (mP): moist and cold • Maritime tropical (mT): moist and warm
FRONTS • When two air masses with different properties meet, density differences keep them separate. • A front is a boundary that forms between two air masses. • Four types: cold fronts, warm fronts, occluded fronts, stationary fronts
Cold Fronts • Forms when a cold air mass meets and pushes under a warm air mass • As warm air is lifted, cumulonimbus clouds form • Typically produces storms • Followed by cooler air
Warm Fronts • Forms when a warm air mass overtakes a cold air mass and moves over it. • Warm air rises over cooler air and causes slight to moderate precipitation. • Followed by warmer air
Occluded Front • Forms when a cold air mass quickly overtakes a warm front, and completely lifts the warm air off the ground. • Precipitation usually follows
Stationary Front • A front where no movement occurs. • Precipitation may occur for several days.