Rapid movement Gradual movement Types of Air Masses Rapid movement Gradual movement

Gradual Movement Air mass- a huge section of the lower troposphere that has the same kind of weather throughout

Air Masses Maritime tropical (mT) from the tropical seas, warm and humid

Air Masses Continental tropical (cT) from the tropical land masses, hot and dry

Air Masses Maritime polar (mP) from the cold ocean water, cold and humid

Air Masses Continental polar (cP) from land in high latitudes, cold and dry

Air Masses Continental Arctic (cA) from ice covered Arctic regions, very cold and dry

Fronts Gradual movement Where one air mass is displacing another The boundary between two air masses, most precipitation comes with fronts Warm Cold Stationary

Warm Fronts Warm air pushing ahead and displacing cold air Weather- slow moving, steady rain or snow                                                                                   

Cold Front Cold air is advancing and taking over warm air Weather- quick showers and thunderstorms, temperatures fall fast                                                                                                            

Stationary Front Neither front is being displaced, no movement Weather- much like a warm front