1. Understanding Weather
Chapter 16
Understanding Weather

2. Chap 16, Sect 2 (Air Masses and Fronts)
Objectives:
Identify the four kinds of air masses that influence weather in the United States.
Describe the four major types of fronts, and how they cause changes in weather.

3. What Are Air Masses? Intro to Air Masses TWC Explains
(oldie but goodie)

4. Tech Terms:
air mass – a huge body of air that has similar temperature, humidity, and air pressure throughout.
maritime – air masses that form over water and are humid.
continental – air masses that form over land and are dry.

5. polar – cold air masses that form in the north and have high pressure.
tropical – warm air masses that form in the tropics and have low pressure.
front – the area where air masses meet and do not mix.

6. Tips from a Meteorologist
Air Masses and Fronts
(putting it all together)
Tips from a Meteorologist
Snow Day?

7. Handouts you should have pasted in this section include:
Air masses Air currents Air masses that affect North America Fronts (where air masses meet) H and L Pressure Systems table (AC only)

8. High Pressure and Low Pressure Systems
Compare high and low pressure systems by completing the table below.
Characteristics
High (H) Pressure System Characteristics
Low (L) Pressure System Characteristics
Clockwise OR Counterclockwise Circulation
Cyclone OR Anticyclone
Air pressure increases OR Air pressure decreases toward the center
Weather Associated with the System
High moisture content OR Low moisture content