1.
What is an air mass and how does it form?
An air mass is a large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity, which takes on the characteristics of the area where it forms, or "source region". They form when air remains stagnant over a large area of uniform surface (like an ocean or large landmass) for days or weeks, allowing the air to acquire the surface's temperature and moisture properties. |
5.
Between k and w air masses, which is stable and which is unstable?
In air mass classification, the letter k (kolder) indicates an unstable air mass, and the letter w (warmer) indicates a stable air mass. |
8.
What is a nor’easter?
A nor'easter is a strong area of low pressure along the East Coast of the United States that typically features winds from the northeast bringingmPair from over the Atlantic Ocean. Nor'easters are most often associated with strong winter storms crawling up the Northeast coast, but snow isn't a requirement for such a storm. These storms are most frequent and strongest between September and April, but can bring cool fair weather during the summer. |
11.
Which air mass (in terms of airmass abbreviations) lifts when two airmasses collide?
When two air masses collide, the warmer, less dense air mass is forced to lift over the colder, denser air mass. |
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2.
How do we classify air masses?
• First letter àlowercase àrefers to moisture content; c: continental (land = dry) ; m: maritime(over ocean = wet)
• Second letter àuppercase àrefers to temperature; A: Arctic ; P: Polar ; T: Tropical ; E: Equatorial
• Air Mass Name, Temperature, and Moisture |
6.
How may an airmass change as it moves over a different environment than its source region?
As an air mass moves over a new environment, it changes its temperature, moisture content, and stability by interacting with the new surface. For example, a cold, dry air mass will warm and become more humid if it moves over a warm ocean, while a warm air mass moving over a cold surface will cool down |
9.
What is an atmospheric river and in particular what is the Pineapple Express?
An atmospheric river is a long, narrow band of water vapor that forms over oceans and is carried by winds. The Pineapple Express is a specific type of atmospheric river that picks up warm, moist air near Hawaii and transports it to the West Coast of North America, where it can cause heavy rainfall and snow. |
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3.
Know the abbreviations for all types of air masses and their characteristics.
• cA; Very Cold, Dry
• cP; Cold, Dry
• cT; Warm, Dry
• mP; Cold, Wet
• mT; Warm, Wet
• mE; Warm, Very Wet |
7.
How does lake effect snow form?
Lake-effect snow forms when cold, dry air moves across a relatively warm lake, picking up moisture and heat. |
10.
What characteristics make an air mass denser or more buoyant than other air masses?
Colder and drier air masses are denser and tend to sink, while warmer and moister air masses are less dense and are more buoyant, causing them to rise. |
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