Module 8 fronts Flashcards
What forms between air masses of differing temperatures and moisture contents?
Fronts
Fronts create a transitional zone where different air masses meet.
What is a cold front?
A cold air mass advancing into a warm air mass
It causes an abrupt transition in weather.
What type of clouds usually precede a cold front?
Cirrus clouds
They indicate the approach of a cold front.
What happens to warm air when a cold front moves in?
The warm air is forced upward, forming a wedge
This can lead to thunderstorms along the edge of the front.
What weather changes occur as a cold front passes?
Temperature drops, lower humidity, change in wind direction, and visibility
These changes are more pronounced in winter.
What is the weather map symbol for a cold front?
A blue line with blue triangles
The triangles indicate the direction of movement.
What is a warm front?
A warm air mass pushing forward and displacing cold air
Warm air is less dense and rises over cold air.
What type of clouds indicate a warm front?
Thin, high cirrus clouds transitioning to stratus clouds
This occurs as cold air is displaced.
What is the weather map symbol for a warm front?
A red line with red half-circles
This indicates the movement of warm air.
What is an occluded front?
A cold front overtaking a warm front
The cold front lifts the warm front off the ground.
What happens to temperature in an occluded front?
Temperature may not change much
This is due to the merging of cold air masses.
What is the weather map symbol for an occluded front?
A purple line with triangles and half-circles
This indicates both cold and warm air masses.
What is a stationary front?
A front that stops moving
It occurs when two air masses have similar characteristics.
What happens to winds at a stationary front?
Winds blow in opposite directions on each side
This can lead to minimal precipitation.
What is the weather map symbol for a stationary front?
A line with half-circles and triangles
Half-circles point toward the warm front and triangles toward the cold front.
