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Meteorologists can make predictions about weather events. For example, the passage below describes how a meteorologist might use observations of Earth's atmosphere to predict a tornado event. A meteorologist uses atmospheric maps to examine air masses, which are large areas of air in Earth's lower atmosphere. The meteorologist notices that an air mass with dry air is approaching an air mass with warm, moist air. In the same region, there are strong winds higher in the atmosphere. The meteorologist recognizes that this combination of air masses and winds in the region could lead to a tornado event.
The passage describing a tornado prediction mentioned two air masses. Read the passage again and then answer the question below. A meteorologist uses atmospheric maps to examine air masses, which are large areas of air in Earth's lower atmosphere. The meteorologist notices that an air mass with dry air is approaching an air mass with warm, moist air. In the same region, there are strong winds higher in the atmosphere. The meteorologist recognizes that this combination of air masses and winds in the region could lead to a tornado event. The word mass can be used in different ways. Which definition better fits the use of mass in the passage?
To study air masses and weather, scientists use maps of Earth's surface and atmosphere. For example, a scientist might use a map like the one shown below. This map uses color to show air temperatures at a certain point in time.
Identify the colour used to represent 0 to 5-degree centigrade temperature
In addition to studying maps of air temperatures, meteorologists can use maps to study the humidity of air within an air mass. The map below shows the specific humidity of Earth's lower atmosphere above South America on August 1, 2016. Specific humidity is a measurement of the amount of water vapor in the air. Select the color that this map uses to represent specific humidity levels between 12 and 14 grams of water vapor per kilogram of air.
The atmospheric map below shows air temperatures in the lower atmosphere above Asia on October 28, 2016. Two areas, labeled A and B, are outlined on the map. Based on the temperature measurements, which outlined area better fits the definition of an air mass?
The atmospheric map below shows air temperatures in the lower atmosphere above Asia on October 28, 2016. Two areas, labeled A and B, are outlined on the map. Based on the temperature measurements, which outlined area better fits the definition of an air mass?
The atmospheric maps below show conditions in the lower atmosphere above North America on October 17, 2013. The first map shows air temperatures. The second map shows specific humidity levels. The same two areas, labeled A and B, are outlined on each map. Based on the temperature and humidity measurements, which outlined area better fits the definition of an air mass?
Meteorologists study and predict weather events. For example, the passage below describes meteorologists using observations of Earth's atmosphere to study winter weather conditions. Meteorologists are studying winter weather conditions by observing atmospheric maps. The maps show the locations of two air masses, which are large areas of air in Earth's lower atmosphere. The air masses are moving through the lower atmosphere across North America. One of the air masses contains warm, humid air. The other contains cool air. The meteorologists recognize that as these two air masses meet, a strong snowstorm could develop. Which of the following statements are supported by the passage? Select all that apply.