Air Masses

Large masses of air circle in various patterns around the earth at all times. Some are cold air masses coming from the frozen arctic regions, and some are warm air masses originating near the equator.

When two air masses meet, it is called a FRONT. A front is where weather such as thunderstorms, tornados, hurricanes, and even clouds are formed.

There are four basic types of fronts:

COLD FRONT: cold air moves in on an area of warm air. The heavier cold air slides under the lighter warm air and pushes it upward. CLOUDS AND THUNDERSTORMS OFTEN FORM.

 

 

 

 

WARM FRONT: warm air moves in an area of cold air. The lighter air slides over the heavy, cold air and forces the cold air down. CLOUDS FORM USUALLY FOLLOWED BY PRECIPITATION.

 

 

STATIONARY FRONT: cold and warm air masses meet, but neither moves in on the other. CLOUDS OFTEN FORM AT THE PLACE THEY MEET.

OCCLUDED FRONT: cold front catches up to a warm front, the cold air forces the warm air up. CLOUDS AND PRECIPITATION RESULT.

 

 

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