Grade 6 Science: Weather & Air Masses

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to weather, air masses, atmospheric movement, and fronts.

Weather

The condition of the atmosphere at a certain place and time, which includes temperature, wind, clouds, and precipitation.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor (water in gas form) in the air.

Air pressure

The force made by the weight of air pressing on Earth's surface and objects.

Air mass

A large body of air that has similar temperature and humidity throughout.

Current

A movement or flow of air or water in a particular direction; in weather, air currents move air from place to place.

Jet stream

A narrow band of very fast-moving air high in the atmosphere that can help steer weather systems.

Pattern

Something that repeats or happens in a regular way, such as weather conditions that happen again over time.

Continental air masses

Air masses that form over land and are usually dry.

Maritime air masses

Air masses that form over water and are usually moist.

Polar air masses

Air masses that form in cold regions.

Tropical air masses

Air masses that form in warm regions.

Front

The boundary where two different air masses meet, bringing possible changes in temperature, clouds, wind, and precipitation.

Cold front

A boundary where cold air moves in and pushes warm air upward, where showers or storms may occur, followed by cooler weather.

Warm front

A boundary where warm air moves over colder air, where clouds or steady light rain may occur, followed by warmer weather.