Air Masses

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics. It forms over a specific area and takes on the properties of that area.

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms over land?

Back

Dry.

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms over water?

Back

Wet.

Front

What type of air mass forms near the equator?

Back

Tropical.

Front

What type of air mass forms near the poles?

Back

Cold.

Front

What is a Maritime tropical air mass?

Back

A wet and warm air mass that forms over warm ocean waters.

Front

What is a Continental tropical air mass?

Back

A dry and hot air mass that forms over land in warm regions.

Front

What is a Maritime polar air mass?

Back

A wet and cold air mass that forms over cold ocean waters.

Front

What is a Continental polar air mass?

Back

A dry and cold air mass that forms over land in polar regions.

Front

What factors influence the characteristics of an air mass?

Back

The source region (land or water), temperature, and humidity.