A warm air mass generally has __ pressure aloft and __ pressure near the surface.

• A. low, high
• B. high, low
• C. medium, variable
• D. constant, fluctuating

Answer: (B)

A warm air mass is characterized by high pressure at higher altitudes and lower pressure near the surface. This phenomenon occurs because warm air is less dense compared to cooler air, leading it to rise. As the warm air mass climbs, the air pressure decreases aloft due to the thinning of the atmosphere at greater heights.

Simultaneously, as the warm air rises, cooler, denser air is drawn in from the surrounding regions, resulting in lower pressure at the surface level. This creates a contrast where the warm air mass influences a high-pressure situation at altitude and a low-pressure situation at the surface, aligning with the principles of atmospheric dynamics.

Understanding this behavior of warm air masses is essential for interpreting weather patterns and forecasting, as it directly impacts phenomena such as wind patterns, storm development, and general climate conditions in an area.