Predicting WeatherPicture Vocabulary

Air Mass

Bodies of air extending over large areas (1,000 miles or more) that develop and retain specific characteristics of pressure, temperature, and

humidity

The layer of gas surrounding planet Earth that is held in place by gravity and composed of a

limited number of elements, primarily nitrogen and oxygen

Atmosphere

The border between an advancing mass of cold air and a receding mass of warmer air

Cold Front

Forecast

A prediction or estimate of future events, especially of weather

Results from differences in heating in the atmosphere

Global Winds

Features on the surface of Earth, such as mountains, hills, dunes, oceans, or rivers

Landforms

A directional movement of ocean water; surface currents result from steady winds over the ocean surface. Deep

currents result from density variations due to temperature and salinity differences

Ocean Currents

Based on probability

Probabilistically

The boundary between an advancing warm air mass and a receding cooler air mass

Warm Front

The day-to-day state of the atmosphere

Weather

A map or chart that shows the weather conditions at a specific point in time over a specific region

Weather Map

Similar weather for a certain number of days

Weather Patterns