8.36 Air-masses and Fronts

8.36.2 Define an ‘air-mass’.

An air mass is a large body of air with similar temperature and humidity characteristics throughout.

These air masses can be classified based on their source region and temperature/humidity characteristics.

They can also have an effect on weather patterns and can help meteorologists predict weather changes.

8.36.4 State the two air-masses that routinely affect the New Zealand region.

The two air masses that routinely affect the New Zealand region are:

• the tropical air mass and
• the polar air mass.

These air masses can bring different weather conditions to the region, and they can interact to create complex weather patterns.

8.36.6 Define a ‘front’.

A front is the boundary between two air masses with different temperature and humidity characteristics.

These boundaries can be classified based on the direction of movement of the air masses and the characteristics of the air masses involved.

Fronts can have a significant effect on weather patterns, and they can help meteorologists predict weather changes.

8.36.8 Describe the formation processes of the following frontal types:

(a) cold;

When a cold front forms, a cold air mass moves into an area occupied by a warmer air mass.