US Air Masses & Fronts Quiz
cP, mT, jet stream, fronts & storm formation (10 questions).
US Air Masses & Fronts Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Understanding weather patterns in the United States requires knowledge of how large bodies of air collide and interact. From the icy Continental Polar air moving south from Canada to the warm Maritime Tropical air moving north from the Gulf, these interactions drive storm systems, precipitation, and seasonal changes.
Key Takeaways
- Air Masses: Classified by temperature (Tropical/Polar) and where they form (Continental/Maritime).
- Fronts: Boundaries where two air masses of different densities meet.
- Cold Fronts: Move fast, creating steep slopes and potential severe weather.
- Warm Fronts: Move slower, creating gentle slopes and prolonged, steady precipitation.
- Occluded Fronts: Occur when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air entirely off the ground.
- Cyclogenesis: The development of low-pressure systems (cyclones) driven by upper-level divergence in the jet stream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between cP and mT air?
Continental Polar (cP) air is cold and dry because it forms over land at high latitudes. Maritime Tropical (mT) air is warm and humid because it forms over tropical oceans.
What weather is associated with a passing cold front?
As a cold front passes, temperatures drop, pressure rises, winds shift direction, and heavy, short-duration precipitation or thunderstorms often occur.
How does the Jet Stream affect surface storms?
The Jet Stream acts as a steering mechanism for storms. Its position determines the track of low-pressure systems and separates cold polar air from warmer air.
What symbol represents a stationary front?
A stationary front is represented by alternating blue triangles (pointing toward warmer air) and red semicircles (pointing toward colder air) on the same line.
What is the “Dryline”?
The Dryline is a boundary separating moist air (from the Gulf) and dry air (from the desert SW). It is a frequent location for severe thunderstorm development in the Southern Plains.
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