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.

Front

What are the two main characteristics used to classify air masses?

Back

Humidity and temperature.

Front

What type of air mass forms over oceans?

Back

Maritime air mass, which is typically wet.

Front

What type of air mass forms over land?

Back

Continental air mass, which is typically dry.

Front

How do we describe an air mass that forms near the equator?

Back

Tropical air mass, which is usually warm.

Front

How do we describe an air mass that forms near the poles?

Back

Polar air mass, which is usually cold.

Front

What is a maritime polar air mass?

Back

An air mass that is cold and wet, forming over the ocean in polar regions.

Front

What is a continental polar air mass?

Back

An air mass that is cold and dry, forming over land in polar regions.

Front

What is a maritime tropical air mass?

Back

An air mass that is warm and wet, forming over the ocean in tropical regions.

Front

What is a continental tropical air mass?

Back

An air mass that is warm and dry, forming over land in tropical regions.