Weather Elements (air masses, fronts & storms)

Weather Elements (air masses, fronts & storms) S6E4. Obtain, evaluate and communicate information about how the sun, land, and water affect climate and weather. A. Analyze and interpret data to compare and contrast the composition of Earth s atmospheric layers (including the ozone layer) and greenhouse gases. B. Plan and carry out an investigation to demonstrate how energy from the sun transfers heat to air, land, and water at different rates. C. Develop a model demonstrating the interaction between unequal heating and the rotation of the Earth that causes local and global wind systems. D. Construct an explanation of the relationship between air pressure, fronts, and air masses and meteorological events such as tornados of thunderstorms. E. Analyze and interpret weather data to explain the effects of moisture evaporating from the ocean on weather patterns weather events such as hurricanes. Term Info Picture air mass A body of air that is made of air that has the same temperature, humidity and pressure. tropical air mass A mass of warm air. If it forms over the continent it will be warm and dry. If it forms over the oceans it will be warm and moist/humid. polar air mass weather front A mass of cold air. If it forms over the land it will be cold and dry. If it forms over the oceans it will be cold and wet. Where two different air masses meet. It is often the location of weather events. warm front cold front Stationary Front An advancing mass of warm air. It is a low pressure system. The warm air is replacing a cold air mass and causes rain, sleet or snow. An advancing mass of cold air. It is a high pressure system. The cold air is high pressure and it pushes the warm air upwards and creates a low pressure system. When two air masses come together but neither replaces the other, they stay still/stationary

Term Info Picture Occluded Front A combination of fronts that happens when a cold front catches up and takes over a warm front. continental air mass An air mass that forms over land and is therefore dry. maritime air mass An air mass that forms over the ocean and therefore contains more moisture than a continental air mass would. Hurricane/Cyclone/ Typhoon thunderstorm A storm that forms over tropical oceans. It gains power over warm water and loses energy over land. It has high winds, rain, and a low pressure center called the eye. Also called a cyclone or typhoon. A storm characterized by heavy rain, winds, thunder and lightning. Tornadoes can form during a severe thunderstorm. tornado A funnel-shaped cloud that can have winds in excess of 200 mph. They cause destruction in their path. Anticyclone A circulation of winds around an area of high pressure. Associated with calm, fine weather. Climate zone: tropical Located along the equator, this zone only has warm weather to hot weather and does not have four seasons; usually just a wet season and a dry season.

Term Info Picture Climate zone: polar A climate zone located at the poles and is characterized by extremely cold weather. Climate zone: temperate La Nina El Nino global warming A climate zone that can be found in the middle latitudes, between the tropics and the poles. Temperate areas have a wide variety of temperatures and rainfall; and there are four seasons. We live in a temperate zone in the U.S. A cooling of the water of the Pacific ocean along the equator. Happens at irregular intervals and creates widespread weather changes. Creates cooler than normal sea temperatures. It is the opposite of El Nino. A warmer than normal surface temperature of the Pacific ocean along the equator. It weakens the easterly trade winds. It effects weather conditions creating stormy winters in the Northeast and mild weather in the Northwest. Gradual rising of Earth s temperature. blizzard A storm in which there are high winds (greater than 35 mph), heavy snowfall or blowing snow and lasts more than 3 hours. lightning/thunder Lightning is a natural electric discharge between a cloud and the ground or inside a cloud. Thunder is a loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash heats the surrounding air quickly. drought A period of no rainfall.

Learning Targets: 1. I can list 4 things that can affect an area s climate. 2. I can describe 2 things that determine an air mass. 3. I can identify the type of air mass created by each of the following: Mexico, Canada, Gulf of Mexico, and the North Atlantic & North Pacific Oceans. 4. I can list the main types of fronts. 5. I can describe the type of weather is associated with cold and warm fronts. 6. I can list the 3 main climate zones of the world. 7. I can name and describe the climate zone in which we live in. 8. I can explain how ocean currents influence weather, especially in coastal areas. 9. I can compare and contrast hurricanes and tornadoes. (include why and where each form) 10. I can identify and describe the causes and effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzards/winter storms.

Term Info Picture Occluded Front continental air mass maritime air mass Hurricane/Cyclone/ Typhoon thunderstorm tornado Anticyclone Climate zone: tropical

Term Info Picture Climate zone: polar Climate zone: temperate La Nina El Nino global warming blizzard lightning/thunder drought