Download Key Concept Builder Air Masses

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Weather Patterns -- Lesson 2 Study Guide
Rating Before
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
Learning Goals
What are two types of pressure systems?
What drives weather patterns?
Why is it useful to understand weather patterns?
Rating After
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
Self Assessment
Definition
Rating
4
3
2
1
Confidence
Level
I fully understand the learning goal. I can explain it to a classmate or teacher orally or written
without the use of notes. I can give specific real world examples.
I understand the learning goal and can explain the main points. I am still unsure about the
fine points, details and/or real world examples.
I understand parts of the learning goal. I will need to review the main ideas, details, and
examples so that I can become more confident in achieving this goal. I can identify what I
have completed and learned, and where I need assistance.
I do not understand this learning goal. I do not feel that I would be successful in answering
questions about this learning goal.
High
Medium
Low
None
***In order to be successful on the quiz for this lesson, one should complete the following tasks associated
with Chapter 13 Lesson 2.

Level
1
2
3
Tasks
Read Describing Weather page 209 to 214
Respond to the key concept questions and the questions that are associated with them (see
below)
Create a set of flashcards for the vocabulary on page 214
Review the assignments and activities that were associated with this lesson
Complete the Key Concept Builder Air Masses & Fronts
Key Concept Outline
A. Pressure Systems
1. A(n) __low-pressure system___ is a large body of circulating air that has low pressure at its
center and high pressure on the outside.
a. Air moves from ______high______ pressure to low pressure.
b. In a low-pressure system, air moves away from the ___outside____ of the system.
c. Air in the center of the system ______rises______, and the water vapor in it
condenses and forms clouds.
2. A(n) _high-pressure system__ is a large body of circulating air that has high pressure at its
center and lower pressure on the outside.
a. High-pressure air at the center _____sinks____ and moves toward low-pressure areas.
b. High-pressure systems bring _____clear______ skies.
B. Air Masses
1. ____Air masses____ are large bodies of air that have distinct temperature and moisture
characteristics.
2. An air mass forms when a(n) __high-pressure__ system lingers in one area for a few days.
a. Continental polar air masses are ___cold___ and ____dry_____.
b. ____Arctic____ air masses are very cold and dry. They form over
__continents__ or arctic ice.
C. Fronts
1. A weather ____front_____ is the boundary between two air masses.
2. A(n) _____cold_____ front forms when a colder air mass moves toward a warmer
air mass. It often brings severe ____storms____ and colder temperatures.
3. A(n) ____warm_____ front forms when a warmer air mass moves toward a cooler air mass.
a. As the warm air rises, water vapor condense, and __precipitation__ often occurs
b. A warm front brings ___warmer___ temperatures and shifting winds.
4. A(n) __stationary__ front forms when the boundary between two air mass
toward
rise
outward
fall
stalls. It brings ____cloudy____ skies and light rain.
Key Concept Builder Air Masses
Key Concept What drives weather patterns?
Directions: Work with a partner to answer each question on the lines provided.
Air Masses
Arctic
Polar
Tropical
Continental:
1. Over what area does this air Continental:
mass form?
4. Where do these air masses 10. Where do these air masses
form?
form?
Siberia and the arctic
2. What type of air does it
contain?
bitterly cold and dry
3. How low does the air
temperature reach?
-40°C
in the interior of Canada and
Alaska
5. What type of air do they
contain?
cold, dry air
6. What kind of temperatures
does this type of air mass
bring?
cold temperatures in winter
and cool weather in summer
Maritime:
over dry, desert land
11. What type of air do they
contain?
hot and dry
12. When do they usually form?
during the summer
13. What type of weather do
they bring?
clear skies and high
temperatures
Maritime:
7. Where do these air masses 14. Where do these air masses
form?
form?
over the northern Atlantic
and Pacific oceans
8. What type of air do they
contain?
cold and humid
9. What type of weather do
they bring?
cloudy and rainy
near the equator
15. What type of air do they
contain in the summer?
hot and humid
16. What type of winter
weather do they bring?
heavy snowfall
Key Concept Builder Fronts
Key Concept Why is it useful to understand weather patterns?
Directions: Put a check mark in the space to identify the correct front(s).
Front
Weather Event
1. A colder air mass moves toward a
warmer air mass.
Cold
Warm
Stationary
✓
✓
2. An approaching front stalls.
3. Warm air glides above a cold air
mass.
✓
4. A fast-moving cold front catches
up with a slow-moving warm front.
✓
5. The boundary between two air
masses stalls.
6. The wind becomes gusty and
changes directions.
✓
✓
✓
7. A wide blanket of clouds is created.
✓
8. A few days of warm weather occur.
✓
9. Warm air is forced to rise.
Occluded
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
10. This is present at the edge of an
approaching air mass.
✓
11. This front moves faster than a
warm front.
✓
12. This usually brings precipitation.
✓
✓
✓