The paths of two air masses, X and Y, are shown in the diagram.







​Air mass X is a cold air mass. Air mass Y is a warm air mass. When the air masses meet, winter storms may be produced.

​Which of the following most likely contributes to the formation of these storms?

(1 point)
Responses

Cold air mass X moves over warm air mass Y, and evaporation occurs.
Cold air mass X moves over warm air mass Y, and evaporation occurs.

Warm air mass Y moves over cold air mass X, and condensation occurs.
Warm air mass Y moves over cold air mass X, and condensation occurs.

Cold air mass X mixes with warm air mass Y, and the overall temperature increases.
Cold air mass X mixes with warm air mass Y, and the overall temperature increases.

Warm air mass Y mixes with cold air mass X, and the overall temperature decreases.
Warm air mass Y mixes with cold air mass X, and the overall temperature decreases.
Skip to navigation

1 answer

The most likely contribution to the formation of winter storms when cold air mass X meets warm air mass Y is:

Warm air mass Y moves over cold air mass X, and condensation occurs.

This is because when the warm air rises over the cold air, it cools and leads to condensation, which can form clouds and precipitation, often resulting in winter storms.