Benchmark 2026

1. Gases Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide and methane
3. Regions near 30° latitude where sinking air creates dry climates
5. The height of a location above sea level
7. Effect The process in which gases in the atmosphere trap heat and warm Earth
8. A warm air mass that forms in low-latitude regions
11. A front formed when a cold front overtakes a warm front
14. An air mass that forms over water and is usually moist
16. A storm with lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds
17. A cold air mass that forms in high-latitude regions
19. The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves
22. An air mass that forms over land and is usually dry
23. Lines on a weather map connecting locations with the same air pressure
24. The amount of water vapor in the air
25. The movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms
27. Point The temperature at which air becomes saturated and water vapor begins to condense
28. The boundary between two different air masses
29. A large body of air with similar temperature and humidity characteristics

2. A front between air masses that are not moving
4. The process where energy bounces off a surface
5. The process where energy is taken in by a surface
6. Heat energy emitted from Earth’s surface
9. Side The side of a mountain that faces incoming winds and usually receives more precipitation
10. The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids such as air or water
12. The front where a warm air mass slowly rises over a cold air mass
13. The force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere on Earth’s surface
15. Large movements of ocean water that transfer heat around Earth
16. Global winds that blow from east to west toward the equator
18. The distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees
20. Incoming solar radiation received by Earth
21. The front where a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass
26. Side The side of a mountain sheltered from wind that usually receives less precipitation