METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY
Air masses tend to not mix due to density differences. Colder air is denser while warmer air is less dense. When air masses interact, the
heavier (denser) air mass flows under the lighter (less dense) air mass. Even slight differences in temperature and thus air density can
cause air masses to resist mixing. In the diagram below, denser colder air is moving toward the right while less dense warmer air is
moving toward the left. The colder air flows under the warmer air. This has the consequence that it lifts the warmer air into the
vertical. This has important implications for cloud and precipitation development. If the warm air is also moist it will easily be
able to produce clouds and precipitation if it is lifted.
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