8th Grade Air Masses Quiz
An air mass is a volume of air, and they cover many miles and adapt the characteristics of the surfaces below them. Air masses are classified according to the temperature and moisture characteristics of their source regions. When winds move air masses, they carry their weather conditions from the source region to a new region. Test your 8th-grade air mass knowledge by taking the quiz below.
- 1.
Tropical air masses are:
- A.
Cold air masses
- B.
Warm air masses
Correct Answer
B. Warm air massesExplanation
Tropical air masses are warm air masses because they originate from the low latitudes near the equator where the temperatures are high. These air masses are characterized by their high temperatures, high humidity, and low atmospheric pressure. They bring warm and moist conditions to the regions they affect, often leading to the formation of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Polar air masses are:
- A.
Cold air masses
- B.
Warm air masses
Correct Answer
A. Cold air massesExplanation
Polar air masses are characterized by their low temperatures and originate from the polar regions. These air masses are formed over ice and snow-covered areas and are typically very cold. As they move away from the poles, they bring cold air with them, resulting in colder temperatures in the regions they affect. Therefore, the correct answer is that polar air masses are cold air masses.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Continental air masses form over:
- A.
Land
- B.
Oceans
Correct Answer
A. LandExplanation
Continental air masses form over land because land surfaces heat up and cool down more quickly than oceans. This leads to the development of high and low pressure systems, which in turn create air masses. Over land, the air is heated by the sun, causing it to rise and create low pressure. This air then moves towards areas of higher pressure, creating a continental air mass. Over oceans, the air is not heated as intensely, resulting in less temperature contrast and the formation of maritime air masses.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Polar air masses have ________ air pressure
Correct Answer
highExplanation
Polar air masses have high air pressure because they are formed near the poles where the cold air sinks and compresses, leading to higher atmospheric pressure. The low temperatures in polar regions cause the air molecules to contract, resulting in a denser air mass and higher pressure. Additionally, the lack of solar heating in these regions prevents the air from expanding and further contributes to the high pressure.Rate this question:
- 5.
Maritime Polar air masses
- A.
Are cool, humid air masses that form over northern oceans.
- B.
Are cool, humid air masses that form over land
- C.
Are warm, humid air masses that form over northern oceans
- D.
Are warm, humid air masses that form over land
Correct Answer
A. Are cool, humid air masses that form over northern oceans.Explanation
Maritime Polar air masses are characterized as cool and humid air masses that form over northern oceans. These air masses are influenced by the cold temperatures and high moisture content of the ocean surface, resulting in their cool and humid nature. They often bring cloudy and rainy weather conditions when they move over land.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Continental Tropical air masses
- A.
Are hot, dry air masses that form over the ocean
- B.
Are hot, dry air masses that form over the Southwest.
- C.
Are cold, humid air masses that form over the ocean
- D.
Are cold, humid air masses that form over the Southwest
Correct Answer
B. Are hot, dry air masses that form over the Southwest.Explanation
Continental Tropical air masses are hot, dry air masses that form over the Southwest. This means that these air masses originate from land areas in the Southwest region and are characterized by high temperatures and low humidity. They are typically formed by the sinking of air and are associated with clear skies and little to no precipitation.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 30, 2008Quiz Created by
Mrskrist
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