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Air Masses cont.

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.

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Air Masses cont.

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  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. North American Air Masses

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Stationary Front • A front where no movement occurs. • Precipitation may occur for several days.

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