Air Masses and Weather Fronts MS-ESS2-5

Grade 6 - NGSS - CA

The boundary between two air masses of different temperatures

Air front

The boundary between two air masses of different temperatures. Air front. An air front is where two different types of air, like warm and cold, meet and can cause weather changes.

A huge body of air with similar temperature and moisture throughout

Air mass

A huge body of air with similar temperature and moisture throughout. Air mass. An air mass is a large region of air that has the same temperature and humidity throughout.

The boundary of a mass of cold air where it slides under a mass of warm air

Cold front

The boundary of a mass of cold air where it slides under a mass of warm air is called a cold front. A cold front is when cold air pushes under warm air, causing changes in the weather.

The movement pattern in a fluid caused by temperature differences within the fluid

Convection current

The movement pattern in a fluid caused by temperature differences within the fluid. Convection current. In simple terms, a convection current is when warm fluid rises and cool fluid sinks, creating a loop-like motion.

The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and current

Coriolis effect

The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and current Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect makes wind and water move in curves instead of straight paths because the Earth is spinning.

The amount of water vapor in the air

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air. Humidity. Humidity is how much water is in the air around us.

The boundary where a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass

Warm front

The boundary where a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass. Warm front. A warm front is when warmer air moves in and slides over cooler air, bringing changes in weather like clouds and rain.

Air movement caused by pressure differences

Wind

Air movement caused by pressure differences. Wind. Wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.