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Air Masses and Weather Fronts Study Guide Notes. The study of weather is meteorology. Someone who studies weather is called a meteorologist. Air Pressure and Weather. High Pressure = Heavy Air holds down water vapor = no clouds = Sunny
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The study of weather is meteorology • Someone who studies weather is called a meteorologist
Air Pressure and Weather • High Pressure = Heavy Air holds down water vapor = no clouds = Sunny • Low Pressure = Light Air, water vapor rises = Lots of clouds and rain
AIR MASS: -a body of air with a certain temperature and moisture level. -Caused by where it formed.
Where’s the Jet Stream? What’s the air feel like at the letters? A B E C F D
C = Continental: the air came from over the land = air is DRY M = Maritime: the air came from over the ocean = air is WET P = Polar: the air came from near the poles = air is COLD T = Tropical: the air came from near the equator = air is HOT
Movement of Air Mass • 1. Air masses are pushed around by global winds. The global winds above the U.S. always blow Northeast. • 2. Air masses are also pushed around by the Jet Stream • Jet Stream= (fast moving stream of air over US) changes it’s pattern of movement each day. The movement of weather and air masses depends on Both of these factors.
Fronts • Front is the space between the different air Mass. • When air with different moisture/temp meet, the air within them doesn’t mix. • At all fronts, warmer air gets pushed up Causing low pressure and clouds/rain. • Normally have rain and Storms 4 Types of Fronts:
Warm Fronts • The area was cold, then warm air moved in to that area. • Warm Air Rises up to make clouds and light rain. • Gets warmer. Direction front is moving
Cold Fronts • The area was warm, then cold air moves in to that area. • Causes lots of violent storms as air rises fast (thunderstorms and tornadoes) • After front passes temperature gets cooler Direction front is moving
Stationary Fronts • Warm and cold front run into each other. • These fronts are stationary (don’t move) because they sit still for many days with light rain.
Occluded Fronts • When a cold front (moving quickly) catches up to a warm front (moving slowly) • Warm air is trapped between two bodies of cold air. • Long periods of light rain. • Colder after front passes. Direction front is moving
Quiz 1Describe the weather in Chicago right now and how it will change over the next 2 days. Why? Chicago
Quiz 2: Describe the weather in Reno right now and how it will change over the next 2 days. Explain why. Reno
Quiz 3 1. What type of pressure is over Denver? 2. What type of pressure is over Charlotte? 3. Why are the local winds blowing in Vegas and Oklahoma city?