Weather Patterns and Fronts

Flashcards covering key terms related to weather patterns, air masses, fronts, temperature, humidity, and climate.

Low Pressure System

Air rises, cools, and condenses, usually bringing clouds, precipitation, and stormy weather.

High Pressure System

Air sinks, warms, and dries; usually brings clear skies and calm, dry weather.

Air Mass

Large bodies of air with consistent temperature and humidity.

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.) at a specific place and time.

Temperature

Affects air density and pressure. Warm air rises (lower pressure), cold air sinks (higher pressure). Drives wind and pressure systems.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air; affects cloud formation, precipitation, and how hot or cold the air feels.

Climate

The long-term average of weather patterns in a region, influenced by recurring patterns in pressure systems, temperature, humidity, and air mass behavior over time.

Front

The boundary between two different air masses, characterized by differing temperatures and densities.

Cold Front

A cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass, bringing short, intense storms, then cooler, drier air. Air pressure rises after the front passes.

Warm Front

A warm air mass slides over a cold air mass, bringing steady rain or drizzle, then warmer, humid air. Air pressure drops slowly as the front approaches, then stabilizes.

Stationary Front

Cold and warm air masses meet but neither moves, leading to days of clouds and precipitation. Air pressure doesn't change much.

Occluded Front

A cold front catches up with a warm front, lifting warm air off the ground, bringing complex weather like heavy rain, then clearing skies. Air pressure drops, then rises after the front passes.