Download Air Mass and Fronts

Air Mass and Fronts
Air Mass is a large body of
air that has the same
temperature and level of
humidity throughout.
Air Masses have the same
temperature and humidity
as the area in which they
were formed over.
When air masses form:
• Over land that is cool in temperature, then
the air mass is cool and dry.
• Over land that is warm, then the air mass
is warm and dry.
When air masses form:
• Over warm water, then the air mass is
warm and wet.
• Over cold water, then the air mass is cold
and wet.
Fronts are the area in which
two air masses meet.
Fronts
• Two different types of air masses do not
mix, because of the different densities
• Warm is less dense than cold air.
• When warm air and cold air meet, warm
air will rise above cold air.
Cold Fronts
• A cold air mass moves under a warm air
mass and causes the warm air to rise
Cold Fronts bring:
• Heavy rains
• Thunderstorms
• Sometimes snow
Act Out Cold Front
Warm Front
• A warm air mass moves up and over a
cold air mass.
Warm Fronts Bring:
• Rainy, drizzly weather
• Often followed by clear, warm weather
Act Out Warm Front
Occluded Front
• Two cold air masses move toward each
other, warmer air between is pushed up
Occluded Fronts Bring:
• Cool temperatures
• Plenty of rain
and snow
Act Out Occluded Front
Stationary Front
• When a warm and cold air mass meets,
but neither has enough energy to push
against each other
Stationary Fronts Bring:
• Many days of overcast, rainy weather
Act Out Stationary Front