Science Starter 9.7&10.12 Which of these describes the weather change that can be expected for Amarillo, Texas? F. The cold front will bring cooler temperatures and snow. G. The cold front will bring cooler temperatures with thunderstorms and rain. H. The warm front will bring warmer temperatures with hot air for several days. J. The warm front will bring warmer temperatures with light rain for a few days.

Air Masses

An air mass is a large body of air with relatively uniform temperature and moisture characteristics Air masses take on the characteristics of the atmosphere over where it developed

4 major types of air masses Continental polar Maritime polar Maritime tropical Continental tropical

Continental Polar Air Masses Air forms over Alaska and northwestern Canada. This air is typically dry and quite cold.

The light blue arrows represent the movement of continental polar air masses.

Maritime Polar Air Masses Air builds up over the northern oceans. This air mass is cool and humid.

The green arrows represent the movement of maritime polar air masses The green arrows represent the movement of maritime polar air masses. Notice that this air mass forms in two different areas.

Maritime Tropical Air Masses Air forms over the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. These air masses are typically warm and humid.

The pink arrows represent the movement of maritime tropical air masses The pink arrows represent the movement of maritime tropical air masses. Notice that this air mass forms in three different areas.

Continental Tropical Air Masses Air forms over the deserts of the Southwest and Mexico. These air masses give the Southwest its warm, dry climate.

The red arrows represent the movement of continental tropical air masses.

When air masses are labeled on maps, abbreviations are used. Symbols of Air Masses When air masses are labeled on maps, abbreviations are used. The first letter is ALWAYS lower case while the second letter is ALWAYS upper case.

Symbols of Air Masses Continental polar - cP Maritime polar - mP Maritime tropical - mT Continental tropical - cT

Which air mass is it? Humidity Temp. Based on the humidity and temperature, what type of air mass is represented? FYI… High Humidity = or > 60% Hot Temp = or > 75°F Humidity Temp. 38% 29°F 88% 97°F 73% 34°F 26% 101°F

Determine each air mass based on its humidity and temperature. FYI.. High humidity = or > 60% Hot Temp = or > 75°F

Answer the questions below on a clean sheet of notebook paper. Which direction is the warm front in the Gulf of Mexico moving? Describe the kind of weather Dallas, Texas is experiencing. What kind of front is over Canada, Montana, and North Dakota? What kind of weather is San Francisco, California experiencing?