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SCI 100 – Meteorology: Chapter 8 Focus
Questions and Topics to Study
Define an “air mass” and describe a “good source region” for air mass formation.
List the characteristics of temperature (in terms of hot, warm, cool, or cold) and moisture (in
terms of dry or moist/humid) for each of the major air mass types. Know the two-letter
designation for each of these air masses as well.
Why is a cP air mass not welcome to the Central Plains in winter but very welcome in summer?
Describe the conditions necessary for the formation of lake-effect snows.
Ch 8 Focus, page 1 of 4
Chapter 8 Questions and Topics to Study (cont’d)
What type of air mass would be responsible for the weather conditions listed below?
(Write their names and 2-letter designation)
(a) hot, muggy summer weather in the Midwest and the East
(b) refreshing, cool breezes after a long summer hot spell on the Central Plains
(c) persistent cold, damp weather with drizzle along the East Coast
(d) drought with high temperatures over the Great Plains
(e) record-breaking low temperatures over a large portion of North America
(f) cool weather with showers over the Pacific Northwest
(g) daily afternoon thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast
Sketch a side view (2-dimensional cross-section) of a typical cold front and warm front
Describe or depict the following typical characteristics associated with these two types of fronts:
(1) frontal slope (steep or gentle)
(2) type and location of the air or air masses involved
(3) type of vertical motions along the front (strong or weak)
(4) characteristic clouds along the front (cumuliform or stratiform)
(5) type of precipitation in terms of intensity (high or low) and duration (short or long)
Ch 8 Focus, page 2 of 4
Chapter 8 Questions and Topics to Study (cont’d)
Briefly describe and be able to recognize the stages of a developing wave cyclone using the polar
front theory.
List four regions in North America where wave cyclones tend to develop in the winter time.
Describe the ideal locations and roles of the upper-level trough and the jet stream/jet streak as
they pertain to upper-level divergence and the development of a middle latitude cyclone.
Ch 8 Focus, page 3 of 4
Chapter 8 Additional Key Terms and Concepts
Cyclogenesis
Front
Jet Streak
Nor’easter (FOCUS on page 237)
Occluded Front / Occlusion (definition and significance only)
Overrunning
Stationary Front (definition only)
Weather Front symbols on a surface map:
Blue Triangles:
Red Half-moons:
Alternating Red Half-moons and Blue Triangles on opposite sides:
Alternating Purple Half-moons and Triangles on the same side:
Ch 8 Focus, page 4 of 4