Air Masses and Weather Fronts MS-ESS2-5

Air front

The boundary between two air masses of different temperatures. Air front. An air front is where two different types of air, like warm and cold, meet and can cause weather changes.

Air mass

A huge body of air with similar temperature and moisture throughout. Air mass. An air mass is a large region of air that has the same temperature and humidity throughout.

Cold front

The boundary of a mass of cold air where it slides under a mass of warm air is called a cold front. A cold front is when cold air pushes under warm air, causing changes in the weather.

Convection current

The movement pattern in a fluid caused by temperature differences within the fluid. Convection current. In simple terms, a convection current is when warm fluid rises and cool fluid sinks, creating a loop-like motion.

Coriolis effect

The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and current Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect makes wind and water move in curves instead of straight paths because the Earth is spinning.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air. Humidity. Humidity is how much water is in the air around us.

Warm front

The boundary where a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass. Warm front. A warm front is when warmer air moves in and slides over cooler air, bringing changes in weather like clouds and rain.

Wind

Air movement caused by pressure differences. Wind. Wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.