HS-ESS2-8: Air Masses, Fronts, and Weather

Evaluate data and communicate information to explain how the movement and interaction of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.

Clarification Statement:   Examples of evidence sources could include station models, surface weather maps, satellite images, radar, and accepted forecast models. Emphasis should focus on communicating how the uneven heating of Earth’s surface and prevailing global winds drive the movement of air masses and their corresponding circulation patterns, the interaction of different air masses at frontal boundaries, and resulting weather phenomena.

Assessment Boundary:  Analysis is limited to surface weather maps and general weather patterns associated with high and low pressure systems.

Evidence Statement

Master List of Phenomenon

Patterns
Cause and Effect
Air masses
 - High pressure
 - Low pressure
Weather conditions
Frontal boundaries

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