The Atmosphere - Chapter 4: Fronts

Question 1

Boundaries that separate air masses of different densities, one warmer and often higher in moisture content than the other

Answer 1

Front

Question 2

Fronts can form between any two _____

Answer 2

contrasting air masses

Question 3

Above the ground, the frontal surface slopes at a low angle so that ___ air overlies ___ air

Answer 3

warmer

cooler

Question 4

In the ideal case, the air masses on both sides of the front move _______

Answer 4

same direction

same speed

Question 5

Most of the time, one of the sides of air is moving ____ in the direction perpendicular to the front than the airmasses on the other side

Answer 5

faster

Question 6

What happens as one air mass moves into another?

Answer 6

Some mixing along the frontal happens, but air masses generally retain identity. One air mass is displaced upward over another.

Question 7

Which of the air masses advancing will be forced aloft?

Answer 7

The warmer, less dense air mass

Question 8

The cooler, denser air acts as the ___ upon which lifting takes place

Answer 8

wedge

Question 9

What is a warm front?

Answer 9

When the surface position of a front moves so that warm air occupies territory formerly covered by cooler air

Question 10

What do warm fronts generally produce?

Answer 10

Several hours of moderate to gentle precipitation over a large region

Question 11

On some occasions when the overturning air is unstable and the front is rather sharp warm fronts might produce

Answer 11

Thunderstorms

Cumulonimbus clouds

Question 12

True or false: mackeral scales and mares’ tails make lofty ships carry low sails

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What happens to the temperature with the passage of a warm front?

Answer 13

A gradual increase in temperature

Question 14

This type of front takes place when cold air is actively advancing into a region unoccupied by warmer air

Answer 14

cold front

Question 15

On average, how much steeper are cold fronts than warm fronts?

Answer 15

twice

Question 16

Cold fronts can produce precipitation, but the amount is greater and the duration ___

Answer 16

shorter

Question 17

What sometimes precedes a cold front?

Answer 17

Altocumulus clouds

Question 18

Sometimes the flow on both sides of a front is almost parallel to the position of the front. It does not move and is called…

Answer 18

stationary front

Question 19

What is it called when an active cold front overtakes a warm front?

Answer 19

Occluded front